1200 South Church St. Suite 14 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Mon – Thurs: 8 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri: 8 AM - 12 PM, Sat – Sun: Closed
Knowing what happens at a first psychiatric visit makes it easier. Here is exactly how your first 60 to 90 minute video evaluation works, start to finish.
Not sure what actually happens at a first psychiatric appointment? You are not alone, and knowing what to expect makes the whole thing easier. At ANK Behavioral Health, your first visit is a 60 to 90 minute video evaluation built around understanding your history, not rushing you toward a prescription.
This page walks through exactly what happens before, during, and after your first appointment as an adult in New Jersey, so you can arrive prepared and at ease.
A good first appointment should feel like a real conversation. Here is how ours is structured so nothing catches you off guard.
Before the visit, you complete an intake packet within 48 hours and set up insurance through a Headway invitation. This lets the actual appointment focus on you, not paperwork.
During the visit, your provider reviews your history, current symptoms, sleep, past treatment, and goals across a full 60 to 90 minutes. You are encouraged to ask questions throughout.
After the visit, you leave with a clear impression and a treatment plan explained in plain language, including whether medication, therapy support, or further evaluation makes sense.
The first appointment is a diagnostic conversation. These are the priorities we focus on with you.
We spend real time on what brought you here, what you have tried, and how your symptoms affect daily life, because the history drives everything else.
You get a clear explanation of what we think is going on and why, in plain language, not jargon or a rushed label.
Together we outline a plan, whether that is medication, therapeutic support, further evaluation, or a referral, with every option explained.
Everything happens by secure video, so you can start care from home anywhere in New Jersey.
Choose a comprehensive evaluation and pick a time that works for you.
Fill out your intake packet within 48 hours and set up insurance through Headway.
Meet your provider for a 60 to 90 minute evaluation focused entirely on you.
Start your treatment plan and schedule follow-ups of 30 to 45 minutes as needed.
Now that you know what to expect, taking the first step is simpler. Book a thorough first evaluation by video across New Jersey.
Your first appointment is a 60 to 90 minute evaluation where the provider reviews your history, current symptoms, sleep, past treatment, and goals. It is a conversation, not a test. You leave with a clear impression and a treatment plan explained in plain language.
At ANK Behavioral Health, initial evaluations run 60 to 90 minutes, which is longer than many practices. That time exists so your history can be understood properly rather than rushed into a quick prescription.
Have a quiet, private space with a stable video connection, a list of current medications, any past diagnoses or treatment history, and your main concerns and questions. Completing your intake packet in advance also helps the visit focus on you.
Not automatically. Medication is one option among several, and it is only recommended when it fits your history and goals. Prescribing here is conservative and evidence-based, and every option is explained so you can decide together with your provider.
ANK Behavioral Health can evaluate attention concerns, but this practice does not prescribe controlled stimulant medications or manage ongoing controlled-substance regimens by telehealth. If that is your primary need, we will tell you directly and help point you toward an appropriate setting.
Yes. We accept major commercial plans through Headway, including Horizon BCBS of NJ and most BCBS plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Optum, and Quest Behavioral Health. Self-pay options are available as well.
Book a thorough first psychiatric evaluation by video across New Jersey and start with a real conversation, not a rushed appointment.
ANK Behavioral Health does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
