Teen Visits
Teens often feel vulnerable, and probably especially so at a visit to a healthcare provider. I strive to make my space comfortable. My attitude is nonjudgmental and that of your teen’s ally. I may be an ally for you, too, but the patient is the center of my attention and time.
Your teens’ first appointment is a chance for each of you to share part of the story, review symptoms, consider possible diagnoses, and begin building a treatment plan. You will want to be present for part of the first appointment and likely for some part of most appointments. Often, parents may be present at the beginning and end of a session at least initially. Parents can help set the stage for productive appointments by their attitude and prioritizing the appointment. Resistant teens may respond well to knowing they have time without you in the room.
Complete your intake forms
As with any appointment, this is about helping your teens’ first appointment focus on getting to know you and developing a treatment plan rather than the logistics and paperwork. If you have questions about intake its best to call or message us before the day of appointment. And as much as possible, asking the teen to complete the form themselves can really be empowering for them. Certainly the screening questions and symptom questions will be answered with greater candor if they are done independently.
Your forms may ask about:
Current symptoms
Identification
Medical history
Current and past medications
Sleep, appetite, energy, focus, anxiety, mood, and safety concerns
Substance use, including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and supplements
Family history
Therapy history
Pharmacy and contact information
Payment information
Bring a medication and supplement list.
Please bring a current list of everything you take, including:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins and supplements
Sleep aids
Hormones
ADHD medications or past stimulant trials
Medication allergies or side effects
It helps to include the dose, how often its taken, and whether it is actually helping
You do not need a perfect medication history. Bring what you know.
Think about your goals
Before your appointment, consider what you most want to improve.
Examples:
“I want to stop feeling angry at everyone.”
“I want medication options but do not want to feel overmedicated.”
“I want help functioning better at work or school.”
“I want to feel more like myself.”
You can also say, “I’m not sure what my goals are yet.” That is still a useful starting point.
What happens during the first visit
As mentioned before, the teen will need time alone with the provider but parents bring lots of valuable information. At a first visit expect to talk to the provider with your teen and then be excused for some time. The provider will want to discuss follow up, treatment, and answer your questions.
Be honest about safety concerns
If you have had thoughts of suicide, self-harm, not wanting to wake up, or feeling unsafe, please say so directly. These symptoms are more common than many people realize, and they are important to discuss.
Talking about these thoughts does NOT automatically mean hospitalization or even medication. It helps us understand your risk, support you appropriately, and make a plan.
If you are in immediate danger or may act on suicidal thoughts, call 988, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
Bring questions
Good questions for a first visit include:
What are the medication options?
What are the most common side effects?
How long before I might notice improvement?
What should I do if a medication causes a problem?
Would therapy help?
Are labs or records needed?
How often will we follow up?
You do not need to ask everything in one visit. Treatment is a process.
Records can help, but they are not required
If you have prior records, psychological testing, hospital discharge summaries, medication lists, lab results, or school/work accommodations, they may be helpful.
Do not delay care because you lack records. We can start with your history and request records later if needed.
For telehealth visits
If your first appointment is virtual, please choose a private, quiet location. Avoid driving during the appointment.
Before the visit:
Test your internet connection.
Accept the Spruce Health invitation.
Make sure your device is charged
Use headphones if privacy is a concern
Have your medication bottles nearby
Know your current location in case of emergency
Keep your pharmacy information available
After the appointment
At the end of the visit, we will usually discuss a plan. This may include:
Starting, changing, or holding off on medication
Ordering labs
Requesting records
Referring to therapy or another specialist
Using symptom rating scales
Sleep, lifestyle, or behavioral strategies
Scheduling a follow-up appointment
Psychiatric treatment is a process of discovery. We treat, but the details that lead to a diagnosis often unfold over the course of our ongoing relationship. Each diagnosis is constantly being evaluated - especially if symptoms do not improve.
A final note
Every mental health journey looks unique. Your teen may need lifetime care or just a brief intervention. Supplements or prescriptions. Supportive therapy or a referral to a specialty therapist. This is true even for the same diagnosis. Avoid comparing your teen to others as they heal. Look for the ways to connect and appreciate their growing independence. Healing and growing are not linear.