What to Expect in Your First 30 Days of Treatment

Starting psychiatric care is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. I want you to know that you’re not alone—and that the first month of treatment is designed to be collaborative, compassionate, and focused entirely on helping you feel better.

My practice centers around psychiatric medication management, and the first 30 days are all about building a foundation of trust, learning what works for your unique needs, and adjusting as we go. Here's what you can expect.

Week One: Initial Evaluation, Relationship Building & Treatment Planning

Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This appointment is longer than follow-ups and allows me to get to know you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. We’ll talk about:

• Your current concerns

• Mental health and medical history

• Lifestyle and stressors

• What you hope to gain from treatment

From there, we’ll develop a personalized medication plan, grounded in evidence-based care, tailored to your specific goals.

Just as importantly, we begin building a therapeutic relationship—one rooted in honesty, compassion, and mutual respect. You should feel heard, understood, and supported from the start.

Weeks 2–4: Monitoring Progress, Medication Adjustments & Supportive Interventions

Once treatment begins, we stay in close contact (if needed). These follow-up appointments help us:

• Monitor how you’re responding to the medication

• Adjust dosage or explore alternatives if needed

• Discuss any side effects or new symptoms

• Offer supportive guidance as your body and mind begin to adjust

This is a time of gentle observation and flexibility. No two people respond the same way, and part of good care is checking in regularly and making adjustments as needed.

We’ll also talk about lifestyle factors and coping strategies that can support your progress—sleep, nutrition, stress management, and routines. Everything works together.

Finalizing the First Month: Reviewing Progress & Setting Long-Term Goals

At the 30-day mark, we’ll take time to reflect on what’s working, what still feels uncertain, and how you’re feeling overall. Together, we’ll review:

• Symptom changes

• Medication effectiveness

• How supported you've felt in the process

From there, we’ll set long-term goals for your treatment—whether that means continuing with the current plan, making further adjustments, or integrating other supports into your care.

You Deserve Thoughtful, Personalized Care

The first 30 days of psychiatric treatment are about more than just finding the right medication—they’re about building trust, feeling heard, and creating a roadmap that supports your long-term wellness.

If you’re starting care with me—or thinking about it—know that you’re stepping into a judgment-free, patient-centered space. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.

-A Note From Carissa

Starting medication management is a brave act, and I truly honor your decision to prioritize your well-being. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey.

If you're ready to take that first step or continue your therapy journey, I'm here to help.

Take the Step