How to Prepare for Your Telehealth Psychiatry Appointment

Your telehealth appointment is booked — now what? Whether this is your first psychiatric visit or your first time doing it via video, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's everything you need to get the most from your session.

Technical Setup

The technical requirements are simple. You likely already have everything you need:

• Device: Any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop with a camera and microphone. Most patients use their phone or laptop.
• Internet: A stable WiFi or cellular connection. If you can stream YouTube, you can do a telehealth session.
• Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. No special app download required.
• Test beforehand: 5 minutes before your session, click the link in your confirmation email to test your audio and video.

Find a Private Space

This is the most important preparation step. Your session needs to be private — both for your comfort and for clinical quality. Choose a space where:

• No one can overhear your conversation
• You won't be interrupted
• You can speak freely and openly
• You feel comfortable and relaxed

Popular choices: a bedroom with the door closed, a home office, your parked car, or an empty conference room at work. Let household members know you'll be unavailable for the session duration.

What to Have Ready

Having these items prepared before your session saves time and helps your provider give you the best care:

For All Appointments

• Insurance card (front and back) — even if you verified online, have it accessible
• Photo ID — required for your first visit
• Medication list — every medication you're currently taking, including dosage, frequency, and who prescribed it. Include supplements and over-the-counter meds.
• Pharmacy information — name, address, and phone number of your preferred pharmacy (for e-prescriptions)

For Your First Visit (New Patient Evaluation)

• List of concerns — write down what you want to discuss. It's easy to forget things in the moment.
• Symptom history — when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, how they affect daily life
• Previous treatment history — past medications (what worked, what didn't, side effects), previous therapy, hospitalizations
• Family mental health history — any family members with mental health conditions (parents, siblings, grandparents)
• Medical history — chronic conditions, surgeries, allergies

What to Expect During Your Session

New Patient Evaluation (60 minutes)

1. Introductions — Your provider introduces themselves and explains how the session will work
2. Clinical interview — You'll discuss your current symptoms, history, and what prompted you to seek care
3. Assessment — Your provider may use standardized screening tools for specific conditions
4. Discussion — Diagnosis (if applicable), treatment options, and next steps
5. Questions — Time for you to ask anything

Follow-Up Visits (20-30 minutes)

Follow-ups are shorter and focused on: how you're doing since last visit, medication effectiveness and side effects, adjustments to your treatment plan, and addressing new concerns.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Session

• Be honest. Your provider can only help with what they know. There's no judgment — they've heard it all.
• Take notes. Keep a notepad handy to write down recommendations, medication changes, or follow-up instructions.
• Ask questions. If something isn't clear, ask. Good questions: "What are the side effects?", "How long until this works?", "What are my other options?"
• Mention everything. Include alcohol use, cannabis use, sleep issues, relationship stress — all of it can affect your mental health and treatment.
• Follow up. If your provider prescribes medication, schedule your follow-up before you forget. Consistent follow-up is key to successful treatment.

Related reading: What to Expect in Your First Psychiatric Evaluation → | How Online Sessions Work →