Seeing a psychiatrist can feel intimidating to someone who is new to the process. Psychiatrists are trained to help people who attend their first appointment feel at ease.
Psychiatry appointments begin with an intake that allows the psychiatrist to understand some of the basic background of the person they are treating. This includes their history of mental illness, any prescription medications the person is taking or has taken in the past, and if they have received a diagnosis.
If a person has not received a diagnosis, they can get one that will help in terms of determining what treatment plans will work best for them, and to provide a diagnosis for insurance companies. After gathering all relevant information, the psychiatrist will make a recommendation for medications and monitor the person while they use them.