Same-Day Virtual & Telehealth Appointments — North Carolina
Online psychiatrist now serving Apex & all of North Carolina
What to Expect at Your
First Appointment
Quick Facts: Your First Psychiatric Appointment
- ✓ Accepting new patients — same-day and next-day appointments available
- ✓ Serving all of North Carolina via secure telehealth
- ✓ NC-licensed providers accept Medicaid, BCBS, Aetna & most major insurance
- ✓ ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia & bipolar disorder treated
- ✓ Prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy after your visit
- ✓ Telehealth psychiatry is as effective as in-person care for most conditions
Your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — not a quick check-in. Here's exactly what happens, how long it takes, and what you'll leave with.
Before Your Visit
A few minutes of preparation will make your appointment smoother and ensure your provider has everything they need to help you effectively.
Have your ID & insurance ready
Photo ID and insurance card (front and back). Self-pay patients have their payment method ready.
List your current medications
Write down every medication you currently take — including dosages, prescribing provider, and how long you've been on them.
Gather prior records (if available)
Previous psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalizations, or records from prior providers are helpful but not required.
Find a private space
You'll need a quiet, private location with reliable internet. A closed room at home, your car, or a private office all work.
Complete your intake forms
You'll receive intake forms via email after booking. Completing them beforehand saves time during your visit.
Appointment Timeline
First 10 min
Introductions & intake review
10–40 min
Psychiatric history & symptom review
40–60 min
Diagnosis discussion & questions
60–75 min
Treatment plan & next steps
Before you leave
Prescriptions sent + follow-up booked
Total time: 60–90 minutes for initial evaluation. Follow-up appointments are typically 30–45 minutes.
During Your Appointment
Your provider will conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Here's what they'll cover — and why.
Current Symptoms
Your provider will ask detailed questions about what you're experiencing — how severe symptoms are, how long they've been present, and how they affect your daily life, work, and relationships.
Psychiatric & Medical History
This includes past diagnoses, prior treatment (including medications that worked or didn't), family mental health history, and any relevant medical conditions that could affect your care.
Current Medications
A complete review of every medication you take — psychiatric and non-psychiatric — to check for interactions, identify what's working, and inform any new prescriptions.
Functional Impact
Your provider will explore how symptoms affect your daily functioning — sleep, concentration, energy, relationships, work performance, and quality of life.
Your Goals
What do you want to change? What does feeling better look like for you? Your goals directly shape your treatment plan — this is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Safety Screening
A brief standardized safety assessment is a routine part of every evaluation. It's confidential, non-judgmental, and helps ensure your care plan addresses all of your needs.
After Your Appointment
Your first visit doesn't end with a "see you later" — you leave with a concrete next step.
Prescription (if indicated)
If your provider recommends medication, they'll send a prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy before you log off. Many patients pick up their prescription the same day.
Treatment Plan
Your provider documents a personalized treatment plan, including diagnosis (if applicable), recommended medications, dosing, and any non-medication recommendations.
Follow-Up Appointment
Before you leave, you'll schedule your next visit — typically 2–4 weeks out for new medication starts, or 4–8 weeks for stable follow-up care.
Between Visits
You can request medication refills, ask questions, and communicate with your care team through the patient portal between appointments. If you have urgent concerns before your next scheduled visit, call us at (336) 828-2599.
Common Questions
How long does the first psychiatric appointment take?
Will I get a prescription at my first appointment?
What do I need to bring?
Will I receive a formal diagnosis?
What if I'm nervous about my first appointment?
Can I bring someone to my appointment?
Ready to Book Your First Appointment?
Same-day availability. No referral required. Medicaid accepted statewide.