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“I want a second opinion”
A short answer
Wanting a second opinion is reasonable, and it's a normal part of good care. A second opinion with us is a full, fresh evaluation of your diagnosis and treatment, not a quick file review. It may confirm that your current plan is sound, or it may turn up something that was missed. Either way, you'll leave understanding what we found and the reasons behind our recommendations.
Good reasons to ask
People ask for a second opinion when a diagnosis never felt right, when medication hasn't worked or caused side effects, before a big change in treatment, or when they simply want someone to take time with the whole picture. You don't need a dramatic reason. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests considering another opinion when a treatment doesn't sit right with you.
Something to think about
What's your main question?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
Then the focus is diagnostic clarification: looking at how your symptoms have changed over time and which explanation fits best.
How diagnostic clarification worksWe review what you've taken, the doses, how long and what happened, and whether the diagnosis behind the plan still fits.
When medication hasn't workedStarting, switching or adding a medication is a fair time to get a fresh view. We'll lay out the options and the trade-offs so you can decide with confidence.
About second opinionsThat matters. Our visits leave time to talk, ask questions and understand the reasons behind each choice.
What a visit with us looks likeThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What to gather for a second opinion
Tick what you have, then copy your list. Records aren't required for your first visit. We like to form our own unbiased opinion first. Depending on your situation, your provider may ask for records later to help clarify things. Nothing is saved or sent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave my current provider?
No. You can take what we found back to your current provider, or, if you'd like, continue your care with us, as long as you're in agreement with your provider's treatment plan and our practice's policies.
Will a second opinion always change my diagnosis?
No. Sometimes it confirms your current diagnosis and plan, which can be reassuring in itself. Sometimes it finds something that was missed. We'll tell you honestly either way.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A full re-evaluation
A fresh, unhurried look at your symptoms, history, past treatments, health and goals, by secure video.
3Our impression, explained
We tell you what we think, where we agree or differ with earlier opinions, and why.
4Your choice of next step
Take our recommendations back to your current provider, or continue with us for ongoing care with regular follow-ups.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health
- NIMH: Bipolar disorder (why diagnoses are sometimes missed)
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 25, 2026.
- What a second opinion with us involves comes from ANK's practice brief and current second-opinion page.
Other starting points