What to Expect During Your First Visit with a Mental Health Provider: A Personalized, Holistic Mental Health Care Approach
Taking the first step toward seeking mental health support is often the hardest part, but it's also one of the most powerful decisions you can make for yourself. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, OCD, or simply looking to enhance your emotional well-being, The Psych NP is here to guide you.
My name is Molly McLaren, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and I'm the founder of The Psych NP. I offer holistic, evidence-based mental health care for adults (ages 18+) across California through secure, virtual telehealth appointments. Our first visit is not just about gathering information, it's about collaboration, validation, education, and empowerment.
If you're wondering what to expect during your first appointment, here’s a detailed overview of the process and how we make this journey truly personalized to you.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
What to Bring:
At The Psych NP, all you really need to bring is yourself. Prior to your appointment, you’ll complete an in-depth intake form where you’ll share your:
- Medical history
- Trauma and family history
- Medication and psychotherapy history
- Current symptoms and stressors
- Personal goals for treatment
We will also have you complete screening assessments to better understand and track your current mental health status.
Don't worry if you forget anything during our session, we’ll carefully review your intake information together and fill in any gaps.
What Happens During the First Appointment
Our first visit usually lasts about 60 minutes and is structured thoughtfully to ensure you leave feeling heard, understood, and empowered.
1. Reviewing Your History (First 5–20 Minutes)
We start by going over your intake paperwork together. I may ask clarifying questions to better understand your full story, your background, and what has brought you to seek support now.
2. Exploring Symptoms and Experiences (Next 20 Minutes)
This part is all about you. You’ll have the space to share your current concerns, symptoms, and goals. I'll guide the conversation to gather the details I need for diagnostic clarity while ensuring you feel comfortable and validated.
We’ll discuss important areas like:
- Sleep habits
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise
- Daily stressors
- Environmental factors
- Trauma history and its impact
3. Collaborating on a Treatment Plan (Final 20 Minutes)
We’ll end by developing a collaborative treatment plan—together.
Treatment could include:
- Medication management (only if appropriate and agreed upon)
- Supplements and addressing vitamin deficiencies
- Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices
- Lab testing and/or genetic testing to investigate root causes when appropriate
- Therapy recommendations (supportive therapy, psychoeducation, motivational coaching)
Medication is never a unilateral decision—I’ll educate you on options and empower you to make informed choices that honor your needs and values.
How Our Approach is Different
At The Psych NP, we believe healing is holistic.
We go beyond surface symptoms by investigating underlying medical causes, genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors.
Instead of immediately reaching for pharmaceuticals, we often explore other interventions first when appropriate, including:
- Supplements
- Vitamin and nutritional optimization
- Mindfulness and stress management techniques
- Psychoeducation about your condition and brain health
Of course, when medication is necessary, we prescribe thoughtfully and carefully—always aiming for the lowest effective dose and maximum benefit.
After the First Visit: What Happens Next?
Follow-up appointments are tailored to your level of support and comfort. Typically, follow-ups occur every 2–4 weeks at first, depending on your needs. Some patients prefer more frequent support, while others feel confident spacing visits out further. We’ll decide together.
Because I maintain a small patient panel, I can offer more personalized and responsive care. You’ll never feel like “just a number” here.
Ongoing care includes:
- Tracking your mental health with regular screening tools
- Secure messaging between appointments for quick questions or support (HIPAA-compliant texting or calls)
- Adjustments to your plan as needed—because mental health is dynamic and your care should be, too.
How to Get Started
Scheduling your first appointment is easy.
You can book directly online using our convenient link: https://thepsychnp.intakeq.com/booking
We proudly serve adults across California seeking virtual psychiatric care, holistic mental health support, and collaborative medication management.
Whether you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or simply want a mental health provider who truly listens, The Psych NP is ready to support you.
Final Thoughts
Taking that first step to seek help is courageous and at The Psych NP, we’re here to honor that courage. You deserve a provider who listens, educates, collaborates, and empowers you toward lasting wellness.
If you're ready to experience compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based mental health care, schedule your first consultation today.
We can’t wait to meet you.
(*serving adults 18+ across California via secure virtual telehealth*)