Patient resources

Helpful information for a clearer start.

Prepare for an appointment, make telehealth work smoothly, organize information for a child or teen, and connect with trusted support.

Prepare for your first appointment

You do not need to have everything figured out. A few details can help the evaluation stay focused and give you more time for the concerns that matter most.

1
Current medication list

Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, doses, and how often you take them.

2
Past treatment information

Bring medication trials, therapy history, hospitalizations, testing, prior diagnoses, and what helped or caused problems.

3
Your main concerns

Write down when symptoms began, how often they occur, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect daily life.

4
Medical and family history

Note major health conditions, allergies, sleep concerns, substance use when relevant, and significant family mental health history.

5
Pharmacy information

Have the name and location of your preferred pharmacy available. Prescriptions are based on clinical evaluation and are not guaranteed.

6
Your questions and goals

List what you hope to understand or improve so those priorities can be part of the treatment discussion.

Set up a successful telehealth visit

You must be physically located in Indiana, Minnesota, Washington, or Idaho during the appointment and in a setting appropriate for private clinical care.

✓
Choose a private, stationary setting

Do not join while driving. Use headphones if they improve privacy and limit interruptions when possible.

✓
Check your technology

Charge your device, test the camera and microphone, and use a reliable internet connection.

✓
Keep key information nearby

Have your medication list, pharmacy details, questions, and relevant records within reach.

✓
Be ready to confirm location

Your identity, physical location, privacy, and emergency contact information may be confirmed at the start.

For children, teens, and caregivers

Evaluations for younger patients may draw on information from several settings. The goal is to understand the whole pattern—not simply one difficult day or one checklist score.

History

Share the timeline

Bring developmental, medical, behavioral, learning, and mental health history, including when concerns first appeared and how they have changed.

Daily life

Describe different settings

Examples from home, school, activities, friendships, sleep, routines, and family life can help clarify patterns and impairment.

Records

Gather useful documents

When available, school reports, testing, prior evaluations, medication history, therapy summaries, and custody or consent documents may be helpful.

Trusted mental health and recovery support

These national resources can help you locate crisis assistance, mental health information, and substance-use treatment support. External websites have their own privacy practices.

24/7 crisis support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call, text, or chat for free, confidential support during mental health, emotional distress, suicide, or substance-use crises.

Visit 988 Lifeline →
Mental health information

National Institute of Mental Health

Review plain-language information about mental health conditions, treatment, and how to find help.

Visit NIMH →
Treatment locator

SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov

Search for mental health and substance-use treatment services in the United States.

Visit FindTreatment.gov →