What to Expect During Your First Telepsychiatry Appointment

Beginning psychiatric care can bring up a lot of questions, and we want the process to feel as simple and supportive as possible. At Longboard Recovery, your first touchpoint is the initial psychiatric evaluation. This visit helps us understand your needs, explore what support you are looking for, and begin building a care plan that feels right for you.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect before, during, and after this first appointment so you feel informed, prepared, and cared for every step of the way.

New Client Paperwork

Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive your new client forms by email. These are sent directly through our secure system and may include:

• Informed consent

• Client rights

• No-show policy

• Controlled substance agreement (if applicable)

• Privacy and HIPAA information

If you are using insurance, it is helpful to have images of the front and back of your insurance card ready, as well as a current list of any medications you are taking.

You do not need to set up a portal or complete any additional steps before the evaluation. Just complete the forms at your own pace before we meet.

Your Secure Virtual Link

All appointments are held virtually. You will receive an email from our electronic health record system with a secure link. Simply click the link at your appointment time from a private, comfortable space.

During Your Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

Your first appointment is a full psychiatric evaluation, typically lasting around 60 minutes. For some clients, it may run longer if their history or presenting concerns are more complex. We intentionally leave space in our schedule so you never feel rushed.

This visit is a conversation, not a test or an interview. We will talk through:

• Your mental health history

• Substance use history and goals

• Current symptoms or concerns

• What has or has not worked in the past

• What support feels most helpful to you right now

Our approach is grounded in empathy and curiosity. We listen first. We want to understand your experiences so we can build a plan that truly supports you.

Creating Your Personalized Care Plan

By the end of the evaluation, we will discuss our recommendations and outline next steps. This may include:

• Medication management

• MOUD or Suboxone treatment

• Supportive therapy skills

• Follow-up scheduling

• Coordination with other members of your care team

You are always part of the decision making process. Our goal is for you to leave the visit feeling informed, supported, and clear about the path ahead.

After Your Initial Appointment, Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up visits are usually around 30 minutes, with flexibility to extend when clinically appropriate. These visits focus on:

• Medication adjustments if needed

• Symptom updates

• Progress in recovery

• Questions or concerns

• Ongoing support

Many clients tell us these sessions feel grounding and consistent, helping them stay connected to their goals and supported between visits.

Ongoing Access and Support

After your first visit, you will know exactly how to reach us if something arises between appointments. We are committed to being responsive, collaborative, and accessible as you continue your recovery.

If you are curious about how psychiatric care works at Longboard Recovery or want to schedule your first appointment, we are here to help. Reach out to our team and we will walk you through each step with clarity and compassion.