A consultation is a comprehensive evaluation lasting around 60 minutes for adults and children. During this time, the psychiatric nurse practitioner will try to understand why you are seeking treatment. We will focus on your current symptoms and explore stressors and existing coping mechanisms to help develop a treatment plan that best suits you. Our treatment plan is always collaborative and stems from exploring what is not working with what is working for the individual.
During this appointment, we will explore the current issues that bring you to treatment and review your history of prior treatments, including medications and psychotherapy. Your psychiatric nurse practitioner will screen for common psychiatric disorders, discuss your medical and family history, and learn more about you and your life during the evaluation. Evaluation is a process that may take more than one appointment.
The initial consultation appointment determines whether you and your psychiatric nurse practitioner are in agreement or whether this is a good fit for your psychiatric care.
Treatment recommendations will be discussed, including the pros/cons of different options. We frequently request your medical records and order laboratory tests during this visit.
COMMON REASONS WHY CLIENTS SEEK A NEW PATIENT CONSULTATION INCLUDE:
- Second opinion regarding diagnoses and treatment options.
- Illnesses that have proven resistant to standard treatment
- Conditions complicated by substance abuse and medical illness
- New onset of psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional problems