Initial Evaluation

What to expect during the initial evaluation


The initial psychiatric evaluation is scheduled for 60 minutes. The initial visit is a consultation and an opportunity to decide whether or not Dr. Choy is the right clinician for you. At the end of the first visit, Dr. Choy will determine whether or not you will benefit from further evaluation. In some cases, a follow-up visit may be necessary to complete the evaluation if extra time is needed to gather information from you, speak to your family or loved ones, review past medical records or order any necessary lab work. If it is determined that you will benefit from treatment elsewhere, you will be provided with appropriate referrals.

Medications are not prescribed until the evaluation has been completed and Dr. Choy has accepted you into her practice, so please make sure that you have enough medication from your previous treating physician.

It is extremely important for this initial assessment to be as comprehensive as possible. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to provide the best treatment recommendation. During the evaluation, you will be asked questions about your current symptoms, your past psychiatrist history, your medical history and other relevant information. These questions may be personal and uncomfortable to talk about or cause discomfort in some people. You are encouraged to be as open as possible so that the most accurate information can be used to help formulate your case.    

If you have past medical or mental health records, copies of laboratory reports, EKG results or other test results, please send them to Dr. Choy via the secure messaging system prior to your appointment to allow time for review. Please also have available contact information of your previous psychiatrist or other physicians so that care can be coordinated and collateral information can be obtained if needed.  

It is important that the session start on time to allow the full 60 minute evaluation. Therefore, please allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with accessing the telemedicine link for the appointment. 
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