A Complete Guide to What Really Happens
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely taken one of the hardest steps: deciding to schedule your first mental health evaluation. Maybe you’ve been dealing with anxiety that won’t quiet down, depression that’s making everything feel heavy, or ADHD symptoms that are affecting your daily life. Whatever brought you here, it’s completely normal to feel nervous about what’s coming next.
At Focused Connections Psychiatry, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of patients through their first evaluation, and we know the questions running through your mind: What will they ask me? Will I be judged? What if I can’t explain what I’m feeling? How long will it take?
Let’s walk through exactly what to expect, so you can arrive feeling prepared, understood, and ready to take this important step toward feeling like yourself again.
Before You Arrive: What to Prepare
Your first evaluation begins before you even walk through our doors. You’ll likely receive some intake paperwork—either online or by email. While forms might feel tedious, they’re actually your first opportunity to tell your story. These forms ask about your medical history, current symptoms, medications, and what’s been happening in your life lately.
Here’s a helpful tip: Be honest and thorough. There are no “right” answers. If you’ve been experiencing racing thoughts at 3 AM, write that down. If you’ve noticed you can’t focus during work meetings, mention it. The more complete picture you provide, the better we can understand and help you.
You might also want to jot down a few notes for yourself: When did your symptoms start? What makes them better or worse? Have you tried anything that’s helped, even a little? These details matter.
The First Few Minutes: Building Comfort
When you arrive for your evaluation at Focused Connections Psychiatry, you’ll be greeted by our team in a warm, judgment-free environment. This isn’t a cold clinical experience—it’s a conversation with someone who genuinely wants to understand what you’re going through.
Your clinician will introduce themselves and explain how the session will flow. Most first evaluations last between 60 to 90 minutes. That might sound long, but there’s a reason: we’re not just checking boxes. We’re getting to know you—your story, your struggles, your strengths, and your goals.
What We’ll Talk About: The Core of Your Evaluation
Your clinician will ask questions across several areas of your life. This comprehensive approach helps us see the full picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Your Current Concerns: We’ll start with what brought you in. What’s been happening? How long has it been going on? How is it affecting your work, relationships, sleep, or daily activities? There’s no need to have everything perfectly articulated—many people struggle to put their feelings into words, and that’s okay. We’re here to help you make sense of it.
Your History: Understanding your past helps us understand your present. We’ll ask about previous mental health treatment, any medications you’ve tried, significant life events, trauma, and family history of mental health conditions. This isn’t about dwelling on the past—it’s about identifying patterns and understanding what might be contributing to how you’re feeling now.
Your Physical Health: Mental and physical health are deeply connected. We’ll discuss your overall health, current medications, sleep patterns, appetite changes, and any medical conditions. Sometimes physical issues can mimic or worsen mental health symptoms, so this context is crucial.
Your Daily Life: We want to know about your relationships, work or school situation, stress levels, coping strategies, and support system. How you function day-to-day tells us a lot about the impact of your symptoms and what kind of support might help most.
Your Goals: This is about you and what you want. Maybe you want to feel less anxious in social situations, sleep through the night, or regain focus at work. Your goals guide our treatment recommendations.
Specialized Testing When Needed
Depending on your symptoms, we might recommend additional assessments. For example, if ADHD is a concern, we offer T.O.V.A. testing—an objective, computerized assessment that measures attention and impulse control.
We also provide GeneSight genetic testing, which can help identify which medications might work best for your unique genetic makeup. These tools aren’t always necessary, but when they are, they provide valuable clarity.
After the Evaluation: What Comes Next
By the end of your evaluation, your clinician will share their initial impressions and discuss potential next steps. This might include:
- A working diagnosis (though sometimes it takes a few sessions to be certain)
- Treatment recommendations, which could include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination
- A follow-up plan to monitor your progress
- Answers to any questions you have
Remember: this is a collaborative process. You’re not being told what to do—you’re being offered options and support to make informed decisions about your care.
You’re Not Alone in This
Walking into your first mental health evaluation takes courage. It means you’re choosing to prioritize your well-being, and that’s something to be proud of.
At Focused Connections Psychiatry, we’re here to meet you exactly where you are—with compassion, expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping you find clarity and relief.
If it affects your daily life, it’s worth discussing. You deserve care that truly understands you.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us at (562) 312-1777 today or click here to schedule your free symptom assessment.
