Editorial information
Published by Foundry Integrative Psychiatry and Wellness, PLLC. Updated 2026-09-09. Clinical review of this revision is pending; no clinician sign-off is claimed.
Why the first visit is scheduled for 60 minutes
Foundry schedules an initial psychiatric evaluation for 60 minutes. That time is for understanding your concerns, history, priorities, and treatment options before making a plan. The visit is not a promise of a diagnosis or prescription.
What a thorough evaluation actually covers
The American Psychiatric Association guidelines describe assessment of psychiatric symptoms and prior treatment, substance use, safety, medical health, and the patient's preferences. Your clinician may also review records and coordinate with other clinicians when appropriate. Bring the questions you want answered and explain how symptoms affect daily life.
Sources: American Psychiatric Association — Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults
Why medical context matters
Physical health and mental health can overlap. NIMH notes that thyroid disorders and some medications can produce symptoms that resemble depression. Depression can also occur alongside other medical illnesses. An evaluation considers these possibilities without assuming that every psychiatric symptom has a medical cause.
Your medicine cabinet is part of the evaluation
Bring a current list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements, including doses. This helps your clinician assess potential side effects and interactions. NIMH advises discussing medication changes with a health care provider; do not stop or change a medicine on the basis of this guide.
What testing does — and doesn't — do
Testing is individualized. Depending on the history, examination, prior results, and treatment under consideration, a clinician may request tests or coordinate a medical assessment. A blood test alone does not provide the full psychiatric picture. Ask what a proposed test could clarify and how its result would change your care.
Sources: American Psychiatric Association — Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults; National Institute of Mental Health — Depression
What you leave the first visit with
The aim is a shared understanding of the next step. That may be a treatment plan, further assessment, a request for records, or a referral. Medication is considered only when clinically appropriate; a prescription or particular diagnosis is not guaranteed.
How to prepare
Have your medication and supplement list, pharmacy information, primary-care clinician's contact details, and relevant prior records available. New patients begin at foundryhealth.org/scheduling. Use the secure patient portal for intake documents and clinical information, not ordinary email or public website forms.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association — Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults
- National Institute of Mental Health — Depression
Sources checked 2026-09-09.
Safety and scope
This guide is general education, not medical advice. It does not create a treatment relationship, diagnose a condition, promise medication, or replace crisis care. For immediate danger use 911, 988, or the nearest emergency department.
Related service
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is the starting point for care at Foundry, reviewing current concerns, psychiatric history, medical history, medications, prior treatment response, sleep, substance use, family history, relationships, functioning, safety, and goals.