What to Expect at Your First Psychiatric Visit

Quick answer: Your first visit at SLS Psychiatry is a 60–75 minute conversation with a board-certified psychiatrist. We review your history, current concerns, and goals, then build a personalized plan together. There is no script and no rushing — just a careful clinical evaluation and a clear next step.

What to expect during the visit

The first visit is a working session, not a test. We move at your pace, explain what we’re observing as we go, and check in about how it’s landing.

  • 60–75 minutes set aside — we block enough time so the first visit is never rushed.
  • Your story, in your words — we review your history, current concerns, goals, and what previous care has or hasn’t worked.
  • An open conversation — questions are welcome; we explain what we’re observing as we go.
  • A careful clinical assessment — symptoms, medical history, medications, sleep, lifestyle, substance use, and safety are all considered.
  • A discussion of options — if medication may help, we walk through benefits, risks, side effects, and reasonable alternatives.
  • A clear next step — you leave with a personalized plan and a follow-up cadence that fits where you are right now.

Before your visit

A few small things make the appointment feel calmer and give you more of the visit to focus on what matters.

  • Complete your intake forms. After you book, you’ll receive secure intake paperwork to review your history, current symptoms, medications, and goals. Filling these out in advance protects your appointment time for what matters most: the conversation.
  • Have your insurance & ID ready. Have a photo ID, insurance card, and a list of your current medications and prior treatment history. Knowing what’s worked — and what hasn’t — helps us build on real evidence.
  • If telehealth: pick a private space. Choose a quiet, private location with a stable internet connection. You should be physically located in Texas at the time of the appointment. Plan to be in the same place for the full visit.

In-person in Southlake or telehealth across Texas

Our office is at 305 Miron Drive, Southlake, TX 76092. Free patient parking is available on site. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can complete check-in without rushing your appointment time.

For telehealth, you’ll receive a secure video link before the appointment. Pick a private, quiet space with a stable internet connection — and plan to be physically located in Texas at the time of the visit, as required for telehealth care.

After the visit

Before you go, we summarize what we heard, share our clinical impression in plain language, and walk through the recommended next steps. Follow-up visits are typically 20–50 minutes, focused on how the plan is working and what, if anything, needs to be adjusted.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?

It depends on what you're looking for. Psychiatrists are physicians (MDs) who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication when it's clinically appropriate. Therapists (LPCs, LCSWs, psychologists) provide talk therapy. Many people benefit from both — a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management, plus a therapist for ongoing therapy. SLS Psychiatry focuses on the psychiatric (evaluation + medication) side of care, and we're happy to coordinate with a therapist you already see.

Do you prescribe stimulants or other controlled substances?

Sometimes, when clinically appropriate after a full evaluation — but never on autopilot, never on the first contact, and never without an in-depth psychiatric workup. Stimulants and other controlled substances carry meaningful risks and are not guaranteed at any visit. We don't continue or transfer prescriptions sight-unseen from outside providers; new patients are still seen for a complete evaluation before any continuation, adjustment, or taper decision.

How long does the first visit take?

Initial psychiatric evaluations are scheduled for 60–75 minutes. We block this time intentionally so you don't feel rushed and we have room for a careful, thorough conversation.

Will I get medication at the first visit?

Sometimes — but never on autopilot. If medication is appropriate after the evaluation, we discuss the options, expected benefits, possible side effects, and reasonable alternatives together before any prescription is written. No medication is prescribed without a clinical evaluation.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. Most adults can self-schedule online through our secure scheduling page. Some insurance plans may have their own referral or pre-authorization rules — please check with your plan if you're unsure.

Can I be seen virtually?

Yes. Telehealth visits are available to adult patients physically located in Texas at the time of the appointment. Clinically, telehealth and in-person visits are very similar — same length, same depth, same provider. Some visits (for example, certain controlled-substance follow-ups) may need to be in-person depending on clinical and regulatory factors; we'll let you know if that applies.

What's the difference between in-person and telehealth visits?

Clinically, the visits are very similar — same length, same depth, same provider. In-person visits take place at our Southlake, TX office. Telehealth visits are available to adult patients physically located in Texas at the time of the appointment.

What happens after the first visit?

You'll leave with a clear plan and a follow-up cadence that fits where you are right now. Follow-up visits are typically 20–50 minutes, focused on monitoring how the plan is working and adjusting as needed.

Is everything I share kept private?

Yes. Your visits and records are protected under HIPAA. We discuss the limits of confidentiality (such as safety concerns) at the start of care, so you know exactly what to expect.