Preparing for Your Psychiatric Appointment
Follow-up appointments are where treatment becomes more personalized, more focused, and more connected to your lived experience. While your first visit lays the foundation, follow-up visits build the plan — step by step, together.
This guide will help you prepare so each appointment feels meaningful and productive.
1. Know What Follow-Up Visits Are For
Follow-up visits allow your psychiatrist to:
Review your symptoms since the last appointment
Assess medication effects and any side effects
Adjust medication doses when indicated
Discuss cycle patterns or hormonal transitions
Explore stressors, supports, or life changes
Monitor outcome measures
Track progress toward your goals
These appointments ensure that treatment remains safe, effective, and aligned with what matters most to you.
2. How to Prepare
You do not need to prepare perfectly — just honestly and thoughtfully.
Track How You’ve Been Feeling
Notice patterns in:
Mood
Anxiety
Energy
Sleep
Irritability
Cognitive changes
Cycle-related symptoms
Even brief notes can help guide decisions.
Reflect on Medication Effects
Please think about:
What’s improving
What feels unchanged
Any side-effects you may be experiencing
Any concerns or questions
Your psychiatrist will review the most common side effects of any medication we prescribe, but every patient is a unique individual, and we cannot predict every reaction.
If you are experiencing side effects — especially those that feel uncomfortable or concerning — please let us know promptly. This allows us to adjust safely and avoid complications.
If side effects are unbearable, discontinuation may be the best option. If you choose to stop the medication, please notify the practice and psychiatrist, so we can update your plan and explore alternatives.
Do Not Adjust Medications on Your Own
Please do not make any changes — including dose adjustments, stopping a medication, or adding supplements — without discussing it first.
Some medications require tapering for safety.
Identify Life Updates
Share any changes in:
Sleep
Routines
Stressors
Caregiving responsibilities
Workload
Reproductive planning or transitions
New medical diagnoses or medications
These details help us tailor your plan.
Review Outcome Measures
You may occasionally be asked to complete:
PHQ-9
GAD-7
ADHD scales
PMDD trackers
Menopause symptom questionnaires
Sleep assessments
These are not tests — they are tools to help us track change, compare visits, and guide treatment.
3. What Happens During a Follow-Up Visit
A typical 20–30-minute follow-up includes:
A check-in on symptoms, functioning, and patterns
Discussion of medication benefits, challenges, or side effects
Review of any outcome measures
Updates on reproductive transitions (e.g., cycle, postpartum, perimenopause)
Adjustments to your plan when needed
Space for your questions
Follow-up visits are collaborative and shaped by your goals.
4. Medications: What to Expect
Refills
Request refills 7 business days in advance
Early refills cannot be guaranteed
Dose changes or new prescriptions require an appointment
Starting or Adjusting Medications
You’ll receive:
Clear instructions
A dosing schedule
Expected timeline for improvement
Symptoms to watch for
When to reach out
Your psychiatrist will always discuss common, expected side effects, so you know what may occur. However:
Every patient responds differently, and not all side effects can be predicted.
If you experience unexpected or distressing symptoms, please notify us as soon as possible.
If Side Effects Occur
Please reach out promptly via the secure messaging portal.
We will help determine whether:
A dose adjustment is needed
You should discontinue the medication
A follow-up visit is required
Another treatment approach may be better
If side effects become unbearable, discontinuation may be the safest option. If you stop a medication on your own, please inform us, so we can adjust your plan and maintain safety.
Do Not Make Changes Independently
Please do not stop, increase, decrease, or add medications — including vitamins or herbal supplements — without discussing it first.
5. Between Visits: What You Can Contact Us For
You may send a secure message for:
Brief clarifying questions
Reporting side effects
Medication concerns
Refill requests
Administrative forms (fees may apply)
For emergencies, please call 988, 911, or NYS Mobile Crisis.
6. If You Need to Reschedule
Please cancel or reschedule at least 5 business days in advance. Late cancellations or no-shows are billed at the full session fee.
The Heart of Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments help us refine your care with precision, empathy, and clarity. Your life evolves — and your treatment should evolve with you.
Preparing for your visit gives your treatment team insight into:
Your symptoms
Your strengths
Your day-to-day realities
Your goals
Every step is grounded in your story, your biology, and your needs.
