Home/What to Expect

Booking should be the easy part.

Reaching out for psychiatric care takes courage. Here is exactly how the first few weeks tend to go, so nothing feels like a surprise.

The process

From first message to first plan

01

Reach out

Send a short message or call. We will find a time for your first evaluation, in person in Middletown, or by telehealth, whichever is easier for you.

02

Your evaluation

A thorough, unhurried conversation about your history, your goals, and what has and has not worked before. No judgment, no rush.

03

Your plan

Together we shape a treatment plan you actually understand and agree with, then adjust it over time as you feel the difference.

What the first visit looks like

The first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. It is longer than a typical follow-up because it lays the groundwork for everything after.

Michael will ask about your current concerns, your medical and mental health history, any medications you have tried, your sleep, and the goals that brought you in. If medication makes sense, he will walk through the purpose, the expected benefits, and the risks before anything changes. Starting or adjusting medication is always a shared decision.

What to bring

  • A list of any current medications and supplements
  • Names of past medications that helped or did not
  • Your insurance information, if you plan to use it
  • Any questions you have been meaning to ask a provider

Follow-up care

Most patients return for shorter follow-up visits so Michael can see how you are responding and fine-tune the plan. The pace is set by what you need, not by a rigid schedule.

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, help is available right now. Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. This website is not for emergencies.

Take the first step

Tell us a little about what brings you in, and we will reach out to schedule your evaluation.

Common questions

Good to know

Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Michael sees patients by secure video across Connecticut, as well as in person in Middletown and across Connecticut. Learn more on the telehealth page.
How long is the first appointment?
The initial evaluation is longer than a follow-up because it covers your full history and goals. Follow-up visits are shorter.
Will I have to start medication?
Not necessarily. Medication is one option among several. Any decision to start or change a medication is made together, after you understand the benefits and risks.