How to Prepare for Your First Behavioral Health Appointment

Feeling a bit nervous before your first behavioral health appointment? That’s completely normal. Many people feel uncertain about what to expect, especially if it’s their first time. This guide is here to help make the process feel less intimidating.

What is behavioral health?

Behavioral health, also known as psychiatry, is about how your thoughts, feelings and experiences affect your overall well-being. It includes things like handling stress, getting good sleep, managing relationships, and dealing with big life changes. Whether you're going through tough times or just want to stay balanced, behavioral health care can help with therapy or medication.

What is a behavioral health examination?

A behavioral health examination is a conversation with a provider to talk about how you are feeling and what you might need to feel better. It is a chance to share what has been going on in your life, including any challenges or changes you have experienced. The provider may ask about your medical history, sleep, appetite, energy levels, and past treatments. Together, you will explore options like therapy, medication, or other tools to support your mental health. The goal is to understand your needs and create a plan that works for you.

Why do people reach out to a psychiatrist?

There are many reasons someone might schedule a visit. Maybe you’ve been feeling more anxious or down than usual. Perhaps you’ve noticed it’s hard to concentrate or you haven’t been sleeping well. Some people come in because they’re going through a tough transition, such as a breakup, a move, or starting a new job. Others are looking for support with ongoing challenges like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to about the ups and downs of life.

Some people seek behavioral health services because they feel stuck or unmotivated, even if they can’t quite explain why. It’s important to know you don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to get support. Being proactive about your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

What can I expect at my first visit?

The first visit is mostly about getting to know each other. It is more of a conversation than anything else.

You will typically start by talking with the provider about how you have been feeling and what you are hoping to get out of the visit. We will ask some questions to better understand what has been going on in your life recently, as well as any difficult experiences you may have had in the past. This might include questions about your medical history, sleep habits, appetite, and energy levels. We may also ask about any medications you have tried or mental health treatments you have received before the appointment.

From there, you will work with your provider, who could be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a medical psychologist, a therapist, or a psychiatrist. Together, we will discuss what kind of support might be most helpful, whether that is therapy, medication, or something else entirely. There will also be time for you to ask questions, share concerns, or talk through things you may not have said out loud before. One of the main goals of your first session is to build trust.

What questions do patients often have?

Do I have to start medication?
Medication is one option, but it is never the only one. Your provider will walk you through your options, which could include various forms of therapy, mindfulness, or other techniques to help figure out what makes the most sense for you.

Is everything I say kept private?
Yes, your privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. There are just a few safety exceptions, and your provider will explain those to you at the beginning of the visit.

What if I don’t know what to say?
That is more common than you think. If you get teary or feel stuck, that is OK. We will guide the conversation, so you do not have to figure it out on your own.

If you are feeling unsure, it can help to jot down a few questions or thoughts ahead of time. Try to be open about what has been going on. If you have had past experiences with therapy or treatment, feel free to share what worked for you and what did not. Your input helps guide us.

You might also want to take a few deep breaths or arrive a little early to settle in before your appointment starts. That small bit of extra time can go a long way in calming your nerves.

Can I bring someone with me?
If it helps you feel more at ease, bringing a trusted friend or family member is perfectly fine. You can also let them wait outside if you would prefer some privacy once the appointment begins.

Taking care of your mental health does not have to be overwhelming. This first visit is just that, a first step. It is a chance to be heard and supported, and to start moving toward feeling better. Every person’s path is different, and that is OK. Just by showing up, you have begun the process of taking care of your mental health in a meaningful way. We will figure the rest out together, one step at a time.

Learn more about Ochsner Health's psychiatry & behavioral health services.