Orlando: Psychiatric Evaluation Checklist for New Patients

michael40845
Sep 21
3 min read

Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Calmer Being, we provide psychiatric evaluations for patients in Orlando and across Florida, designed to give you clarity, direction, and a personalized plan for treatment. To help you prepare, we’ve created a checklist for new patients. This guide explains what to expect during your evaluation, what to bring, and how we make the process supportive, private, and accessible.

What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is a structured, compassionate conversation between you and a licensed provider. The goal is to understand your history, current symptoms, and overall health so we can create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Evaluations are not about judgment—they are about listening, learning, and supporting. At Calmer Being, we treat the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Your New Patient Checklist

1. Personal and Medical History

Be ready to share details about:

Current symptoms (mood, sleep, stress, anxiety, depression)
Past mental health treatment or hospitalizations
Family history of mental health conditions
Current medications, supplements, or vitamins

2. Lifestyle Factors

We also look at how daily habits affect your mental health:

Sleep routines
Nutrition and exercise
Work or school stressors
Substance use (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or others)

3. Emotional and Social Well-Being

You may be asked about:

Relationships and support networks
Recent life changes or stressful events
Coping strategies you currently use
Personal goals for treatment

4. Labs or Screenings (If Needed)

Sometimes lab work is ordered to rule out physical causes that may contribute to mood changes, such as thyroid imbalances or vitamin deficiencies.

5. Questions for Your Provider

We encourage patients to bring a list of questions. Common examples include:

“What treatments do you recommend for my symptoms?”
“How long before I might notice improvement?”
“What side effects should I watch for?”
“How will we track progress over time?”

What Happens After the Evaluation

At the end of your evaluation, you’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

Medication management
Supportive therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Lifestyle recommendations
Follow-up schedule to monitor progress

We believe in measurable goals, ongoing check-ins, and compassionate support every step of the way.

Insurance, Accessibility, and Telehealth

Calmer Being accepts most major insurance plans, including United Healthcare, Aetna, BCBS, Humana, and more.

For Orlando patients—and those across Florida—we offer telehealth appointments, often available the same day. This makes psychiatric evaluations accessible, whether you’re at home, at work, or balancing a busy schedule.

Privacy and Respect

All evaluations are conducted in a secure, confidential setting. Your information is private, and your care is handled with dignity and respect.

We also believe in reducing stigma around mental health. Reaching out for an evaluation is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Preparing for Success

Here are a few final tips to make the most of your psychiatric evaluation:

Write down your symptoms before the appointment so you don’t forget key details.
Bring a list of current medications and dosages.
Be open and honest—your provider is here to help, not to judge.
Think about your goals for care (better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved focus, etc.).

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to begin your mental health journey, Calmer Being is here to guide you with compassion and expertise. Our psychiatric evaluations provide clarity, structure, and a personalized plan for your wellness.

Contact Calmer Being Today

Phone: (407) 906-5473
Email: info@calmerbeing.org
Book Online: Same-day telehealth often available

Your journey to calmer, stronger mental health starts with one step—and we’re here to walk that path with you.