First Psychiatric Visit in Maplewood, NJ
The initial evaluation is a careful, structured visit to understand what is happening, what has already been tried, and what plan makes sense next.
Visit structure
What happens during the evaluation.
The first psychiatric visit typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. Teresa reviews your current symptoms, medical history, medication history, family history, substance-use history, sleep, stressors, safety concerns, and treatment goals. Screening tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, ASRS, MDQ, PCL-5, or Y-BOCS may be used when clinically relevant.
The goal is a working diagnostic impression and a shared treatment plan. If medication is appropriate and you are comfortable starting, prescriptions for non-controlled medications may be sent after the visit. Controlled-substance prescribing follows federal and New Jersey requirements.
What to bring
A little preparation makes the visit easier.
- Insurance card and photo ID
- Current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter products
- Prior psychiatric medications you remember trying, including side effects
- Recent lab results or medical records if they are relevant
- Contact information for your therapist, primary-care clinician, or prior prescriber
After the evaluation
You leave with a next step.
Follow-up visits are usually shorter and focus on response, side effects, medication adjustments, supportive therapy, and care coordination. If a different type of care is a better fit, such as weekly psychotherapy, ERP, EMDR, psychological testing, inpatient care, or a higher level of support, Teresa will say that directly and help identify the right direction.
Questions about insurance and self-pay rates are covered on the insurance and fees page.
Start before the first visit.
Use the free 15-minute call to confirm fit, timing, insurance, and whether the evaluation should be in person or by telehealth.