First Psychiatrist Appointment

Your First psychiatrist appointment with your telehealth psychiatrist will last between 45 to 60 minutes.

During the meeting, your telehealth psychiatrist will:

• Go over your concerns.
• Ask about any past difficulties you have had with your mental health, treatments you have had, what has worked and what hasn’t.
• Review your physical health
• Ask about your supports, goals, and what you want from your appointment

Psychiatrists usually ask a lot of questions. This is necessary as the answers will help him or her to create a suitable plan for your mental health recovery. The long consulting time will give your psychiatrist an opportunity to listen to your concerns and make a plan.

He or she might also want to speak with your family or other health professionals. In some cases, you may be asked to do more investigations so that they can get a clear picture of what is going on.

You may need to schedule a few appointments with your psychiatrist for a complete diagnosis to be made. After the diagnosis has been made, your psychiatrist will together with you come with a list of recommendations.

An effective psychiatric treatment plan comprises therapies that suit your personal preferences, health needs, and social situation. Your psychiatrist will work with you to create a treatment plan. Your input is crucial to formulating this plan.

You may be treated by a psychiatrist, or they might refer you to another health professional, such as a psychologist or work in collaboration with others to help achieve better outcomes for you.

Telephone the psychiatric facility

When you contact our service (T 08 9467 2272) please ask about:

• Our fees/li>
• The psychiatrist’s qualifications
• Review your physical health
• How payment is made (e.g. EFTPOS, credit card, etc.), fees covered by Medicare and how you may access it.
• Whether your telehealth psychiatrist sees patients with your concerns or condition.
• If are switching psychiatrists, how you can ensure a ‘transfer of care’ letter from your current psychiatrist is sent to us.
• Having a family member or support worker present if you wish.

Prepare some questions

When meeting with your telehealth psychiatrist, you can prepare a list of questions that you’d like him or her to answer.

You may want to take note of:

• The symptoms you’ve experienced
• Stresses encountered in day-to-day life
• Any underlying medical conditions you may have
• Any supplements, medications, or vitamins you are taking and the dosage
• The support you have and would like to receive
• Things that have helped improve your condition or caused it to worsen

Of course. You can have a friend or a family member join your telehealth consultation. Please let our admin team and or your telehealth psychiatrist know. We can easily organise this.

Your telehealth psychiatrist will keep all your information confidential unless there are serious risks to your health or others. Some important information may be shared with other healthcare professionals, such as your GP for treatment purposes.

After your first appointment, subsequent visits to your psychiatrist will generally shorter. Your psychiatrist will pay attention to your progress, adjusting medication and offering other support.

If you are undergoing psychological treatment, you’ll have to meet with your psychiatrist regularly. It’s imperative you visit your GP for regular check-ups. You may also be referred to other health practitioners.