What to Expect
Schedule a Telehealth with an Experienced Psychiatrist
Why Telehealth Helps
At Altitude Mind Clinic, one of our main missions is to offer our services to people who typically cannot reach a psychiatrist, and telehealth allows us to do this. Telehealth offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Access: You will receive care from anywhere, reducing travel barriers and making it easier for those in underserved areas to access our services.
- Convenience: Scheduling and attending appointments is easy, allowing you to meet with your providers without travelling or missing work and making it easier to fit appointments into your schedule.
- Comfort: You might feel more at ease in your environment, which can enhance the therapeutic process.
- Continuity of Care: Maintaining regular contact with your provider can be more effective for your mental health treatment.
- Reduced Stigma: Receiving care from home may reduce the stigma associated with visiting a mental health clinic, providing a more private and discrete way to receive treatment.
- Integrated Care: Telehealth can facilitate coordination with other healthcare providers, supporting holistic treatment approaches.
Assessment and Diagnostic Process
First Appointment
Your first appointment with a psychiatrist will be 50 minutes long. There will usually be a lot of questions asked, but this long appointment gives the psychiatrist time to listen to you and hear your whole story.
During this appointment, your psychiatrist will listen to you discuss your concerns and symptoms, ask questions about your general health, ask about your family history and upbringing and may ask you to fill out questionnaires. Your psychiatrist may order additional tests to gain a full understanding of your situation. They may also ask to speak with other health professionals or family members.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
It may take a few appointments for your psychiatrist to make an official diagnosis. For instance, diagnostic assessments for conditions such as adult ADHD may take 2-3 appointments. Once a diagnosis is made, you and your psychiatrist will work together to develop a personalised treatment plan that is right for you. Depending on the severity of your condition, the psychiatrist will provide the treatment themselves as well as integrate additional evidence-based therapies by other health professionals.
Subsequent Follow-Up Appointments
Each appointment after your initial one will be 30 minutes long. During these appointments, your psychiatrist will focus on checking your progress and adjusting treatments. If you are being provided with psychological treatments (e.g., talking therapies), you will usually also have regular appointments with your psychiatrist. They may recommend you see your general practitioner for regular check-ups as well as visit a psychologist, occupational therapist, or other therapist, depending on your condition and treatment plan.
Book A Telehealth Appointment Today
Take the first step towards finding focus and peace in your everyday life.
