We’ll start with an initial evaluation (intake) in order to formulate a comprehensive protocol tailored for you. During this first appointment, we’ll explore your current challenges and discuss your background psychiatric and medical history. We’ll assess various aspects of your health and lifestyle, including medications, diet, exercise, substance use, family history and relationships, occupation, and life goals.
In addition, we’ll review any diagnostic tests that you may have had done. When appropriate, we may also consult with other health professionals on your treatment team. Based on our thorough evaluation, we’ll provide you with feedback and guidance to help you achieve optimal wellness.
These appointments provide a comprehensive “second opinion” regarding your current diagnosis and treatment plan. In this service, we function as consultants to your current mental health treatment. If you opt to make use of this service, you will be expected to maintain your primary prescription and treatment through a psychiatrist and/or a primary care clinician.
I currently do not attend to covenants. Because I offer a follow-up that is not limited to the consultation and unfortunately the agreements limit us to practice what would be the ideal medicine. In the first appointment, I stay as long as necessary to understand the patient, sometimes for a little over an hour. It would be impossible to attend like this with the agenda of the covenants. Those subject to health insurance usually have 15-minute consultations, which I consider inappropriate in psychiatry.