There is a specific kind of dread that comes before a first psychiatry visit. Not the big, dramatic kind, more like a quiet worry that you will not know what to say, that there will be an awkward silence, that you are somehow supposed to walk in already knowing what is wrong with you.
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and none of it is required. Here is what actually happens once you're in the room, so you can walk in knowing what to expect instead of guessing.
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation, Really?
A visit with Dr. Massoudi is not just "talking about your week," it is more structured than that. It is an evidence-based process built around your medical and psychiatric history, social history and development, your relationships and understanding patterns in how you think, feel, and respond. The visit is taking the time to understanding your goals and needs. And if it is difficult to articulate them, Dr. Massoudi is there for you.
The goal is to build rapport, discuss your needs for either psychiatric medication or therapy, or both. And sometimes, evaluations can be done as a specialized women’s mental health Consult, if you are already working with another psychiatrist.
Before Your First Session
You don't need to have it figured out
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting psychiatric care is that you need a tidy explanation ready. You do not need a diagnosis, a theory about your childhood, or a polished summary of what is wrong.
Showing up with uncertainty is not a problem to solve before your first visit. It is a completely normal place to start from.
What to actually expect logistically
Before the evaluation, you will receive intake paperwork with the policies/procedures of Dr. Massoudi’s office, privacy notices, etc. If you would like to bring records of your past psychiatry history, feel free to. You can expect a conversation about your history and what brought you in. It is less an interrogation and more a starting point for Dr. Massoudi to understand your life.
What Actually Happens in a First Visit
A first visit is less about you performing insight and more about your psychiatrist getting to know you. Expect questions about your background, your current stressors, and what you are hoping will be different.
There is no test to pass here. Dr. Massoudi’s job in this first meeting is simply to understand where you are right now, so the work that follows actually fits you.
What to Talk About in an Evaluation (Especially at the Start)
This is one of the most common questions people have before their first visit, and there is no single right answer. A few starting points that tend to open things up:
- Whatever has been on your mind lately, even if it feels too small to mention
- Patterns you have noticed in your mood, relationships, or stress response
- What you are hoping psychiatric care will change
- Anything that feels hard to say out loud, since that discomfort is often exactly where the useful work begins
You do not need to arrive with an agenda. Dr. M helps guide the conversation, not the other way around. At that times, Dr. M might recommend medications and/or therapy and give you evidence-based reasons why. Questions are more than welcomed. And ultimately, it is your decision how you would like to proceed after the first visit.
Starting Care at Lilac Psychiatry
At Lilac Psychiatry, Dr. Massoudi provides medication management and psychotherapy directly,
so your care stays connected instead of split across two different offices and two different conversations.
First visits are 90 minutes, so there's real space to talk. Care is delivered entirely by telehealth across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida.
Learn more about our approach to care, or request a consultation to get started.
FAQs
What happens in your very first visit?
Dr. Massoudi will ask about your history, current stressors, and what brought you in, so they can understand your situation before building a plan.
Is it normal to feel nervous before a visit?
Yes. Most people feel some nervousness before a first visit, and it typically eases once the conversation actually begins.
Do I need to know what's wrong before I start treatment?
No. You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation ready. Dr. M helps make sense of things with you.
How is therapy different from talking to a psychiatrist about medication?
Therapy focuses on understanding patterns and building coping tools through conversation, while medication management addresses the biological side of mental health. Many people benefit from both.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and before starting any new treatment.
