Finding mental health care can feel like a big step, especially if you are unsure what to expect. A first appointment is a chance to explain what has been going on, ask questions, and work with a provider to consider next steps. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a complete history.
At Roundtree Mental Health Group, we provide psychiatric care for people ages 7 and older, with in-person appointments in Lebanon and secure telehealth options for clients throughout Tennessee. These eight points can help you feel more prepared.

1. Choose care that fits your needs

When looking for a psychiatrist in Tennessee, consider the concerns you want help with, the provider’s credentials and experience, and whether the practice offers the type of care you need. Psychiatric care may include evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, or support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep difficulties, and substance use.

It is also reasonable to ask whether you can see the same provider over time, how appointments are structured, and what options are available if your needs change. At Roundtree, initial evaluations are 60 minutes, and our care can include thoughtful medication management and other evidence-informed approaches.

Learn about our psychiatric evaluation and other services.

2. Expect a conversation, not just a prescription

A first psychiatric appointment is usually a comprehensive evaluation. Your provider may ask about current symptoms, when they began, how they affect daily life, and what you have already tried. They may also discuss medical and family history, sleep, school or work, relationships, medications, and supplements.
The purpose is to understand the full picture before recommending care. Sometimes the next step is clear after one visit; sometimes your provider needs records, additional information, or a follow-up conversation before reaching a conclusion. An evaluation does not mean you are expected to start medication.

3. Prepare a few notes ahead of time

You do not need to create a perfect account of everything you have experienced. A short list can help you remember what feels most important, particularly if you feel nervous or find it difficult to organize your thoughts during the appointment.

Consider noting:

  • Your main concerns and when you first noticed them
  • Changes in mood, worry, focus, sleep, energy, or appetite
  • Situations that seem to make symptoms better or worse
  • How symptoms affect daily routines, relationships, school, or work
  • What you hope will feel different with support

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also recommends preparing information about your treatment and medication history.

4. Bring your health and medication history

Bring a list of current and past prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. If you can, include the dose, how long you took each medication, whether it helped, and any side effects. Note allergies and relevant health conditions, too.

Previous evaluations, lab results, or treatment records may be useful if they are readily available. Do not postpone an appointment just because you cannot gather every document. And do not stop or change a prescribed medication on your own while waiting to meet with a provider; contact the prescriber if you have a medication concern.

5. Share sensitive details at your own pace

Topics such as trauma, substance use, self-harm, or thoughts about suicide can be difficult to discuss. Still, this information may help your provider understand your symptoms and consider appropriate care. You can let them know if a topic feels hard to talk about and ask why they are asking a particular question.
If you are seeking care for a child or teenager, it can help to bring observations about changes at home, school, sleep, or social life. You can ask the practice how caregiver participation and privacy are handled for a young person’s appointment.
Topics such as trauma, substance use, self-harm, or thoughts about suicide can be difficult to discuss. Still, this information may help your provider understand your symptoms and consider appropriate care. You can let them know if a topic feels hard to talk about and ask why they are asking a particular question.

If you are seeking care for a child or teenager, it can help to bring observations about changes at home, school, sleep, or social life. You can ask the practice how caregiver participation and privacy are handled for a young person’s appointment.

6. You should have a voice in the treatment plan

Treatment can look different from one person to another. Depending on your needs, a plan may involve medication, brief psychotherapy, further evaluation, lab testing, or a combination of approaches. Your provider should explain recommendations and make space for your preferences, concerns, and questions.

If medication comes up, consider asking about the intended benefits, possible side effects, other options, and when you will review how it is working. At Roundtree, we emphasize evidence-informed care and rational prescribing, with attention to the whole person, not medication alone. You can learn more about our approach to psychopharmacology.

7. Confirm insurance, appointment format, and practical details

Before scheduling, ask whether the practice accepts your plan and what you may owe. Coverage can depend on your specific benefits, deductible, copay, or coinsurance, so it is helpful to review our insurance information and check directly with your insurer.

Roundtree lists self-pay rates of $200 for an initial appointment and $100 for follow-up visits; confirm current pricing and your expected costs with the office before your appointment. Once scheduled, you will receive intake and consent forms by email or text. These take about 20–30 minutes to complete, and the practice asks that you submit them at least 48 hours before your visit to help avoid rescheduling.

You can choose an in-person appointment in Lebanon or ask about telehealth availability. For a virtual visit, plan to be in a private, quiet place with a reliable connection, and in Tennessee on the day of your appointment since clinicians must be authorized to provide care where you are physically located.

8. Leave knowing what happens next

Before the appointment ends, make sure you understand the next step. That might be a follow-up visit, a medication plan, a referral, or time to gather additional information. Ask how to request refills, how to reach the practice with a non-urgent question, and when you should expect to hear back.
Roundtree patients can use the secure Spruce app to communicate with the office between visits. The patient portal provides access to appointment information, prescriptions, invoices, and health records.Before the appointment ends, make sure you understand the next step. That might be a follow-up visit, a medication plan, a referral, or time to gather additional information. Ask how to request refills, how to reach the practice with a non-urgent question, and when you should expect to hear back.

Roundtree patients can use the secure Spruce app to communicate with the office between visits. The patient portal provides access to appointment information, prescriptions, invoices, and health records.

Take a manageable first step

You do not have to know exactly what kind of treatment you need before reaching out. A thoughtful evaluation can help clarify your concerns and identify options to discuss together.

Roundtree Mental Health Group provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults ages 7 and older, in person in Lebanon and by telehealth throughout Tennessee. To explore availability, book an appointment or contact our team. You can also call or text 931-288-4619.

Important note

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship. If you may act on suicidal thoughts, cannot stay safe, or face immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For free, confidential crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.