Walking into your first psychiatric appointment can feel very intimidating. It’s a normal feeling that everyone starting their mental health journey has felt before. But knowing what to expect from your appointments and your doctor can help you gain confidence in those initial sessions.
We recently had the opportunity to visit BetterPlace Health, a leading mental health clinic in Delhi, to experience their mental health services. We spoke with their psychiatrists and clinical psychologists to understand what actually happens during a psychiatric appointment and what you can do to feel more prepared.
Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
Before diving deeper, let’s first understand the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Both are an integral part of the mental health ecosystem and have their own unique roles.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose people and prescribe medication. A psychologist, on the other hand, conducts assessments, provides talk therapy, and behavioural interventions to promote positive long-term changes in their clients.
At BetterPlace Health, both professionals work together as part of an integrated team. This means they don’t work in isolation. Instead, they collaborate regularly to share their insights and recommendations to boost your recovery and help you get better, faster.
What Actually Happens in Your First Appointment?
Your first appointment with a psychiatrist is an intake session. They will ask you questions about your chief complaints, symptoms, medical history, family medical history, and lifestyle choices. This helps them get a complete picture of who you are and understand your condition. During this process, you may feel a bit vulnerable because sharing your innermost feelings with a stranger is never easy. But it’s important to trust the process and your psychiatrist. This is vital information that helps them provide effective treatment for you.
Dr Akul Gupta, a consultant psychiatrist at BetterPlace Health, shares that contrary to popular belief, a psychiatrist will not immediately start writing a prescription. They will always make efforts to understand you first. With the help of clinical psychologists, they may also conduct additional psychometric tests, which give them a deeper understanding of your mental health condition and improve your diagnostic accuracy.
Another unique approach at BetterPlace Health is that after you have received an official diagnosis, the clinical team creates a completely personalised treatment plan that considers your unique challenges. This approach makes your treatment more effective and easier to follow.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
It’s okay to walk into your psychiatric appointment with no preparation; many people do. But knowing what to expect and being a little prepared can help your treatment. You’ve already done the heavy lifting by booking a consultation with a psychiatrist. It means you acknowledge the need for help and are motivated to improve yourself.
Here are a few tips from Ms Sulagna Mondal, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health, that will help you feel more prepared for your first appointment.
- Write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, noting when they started, how intensely or often you experience them, and how they impact your daily life.
- Compile a list of any medical conditions, surgeries, or medications you’re currently taking.
- The most important thing you can bring is the willingness to be honest and open about your feelings.
- Prepare a list of questions, and feel free to ask your psychiatrist anything. The more you know about the process, the smoother your treatment will be.
- You can bring a trusted friend or family member if you’re feeling nervous.
Why Taking the First Step Matters
Your mental health journey is a long one, and your first appointment is only a small part of it. If you’re still feeling unsure or underprepared, don’t stress it out. Finding the courage to acknowledge your mental health condition and taking proactive steps to work on it already gives you an edge. Simply showing up can put you on the path to recovery.
Whether you find a trusted psychiatrist through a referral or visit a well-reviewed psychologist in Delhi, you’ll soon realise that there’s nothing to fear. Mental health professionals understand that starting therapy can be very challenging and will help you through all the challenges, big or small.
