Preparing for a Mental Health Appointment

A practical guide to help you feel prepared, organized, and confident.

Mental health appointments go better when you bring clear goals, examples of what you’re experiencing, and questions about next steps.

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Mental health appointments go better when you bring clear goals, examples of what you’re experiencing, and questions about next steps.

Quick checklist (2 minutes)

  • Write your top 1–3 priorities in order
  • Summarize symptoms and timeline (only what you know)
  • Bring a medication/supplement list and allergies
  • Bring relevant documents (referrals, summaries, test names/dates)

What to write down

  • Main reasons for the visit
  • How symptoms affect daily life
  • Recent changes or stressors (if you want to share)

During the visit

  • Ask about the plan and what progress looks like
  • Confirm follow-up timing
  • Ask how to contact the office if you have questions

After the visit

  • Write down instructions
  • Track what helps/doesn’t help (organizational)
  • Prepare notes for follow-up

Printable notes section

Use these prompts to take quick notes during the appointment:

  • Main takeaways: ________________________________
  • Next steps: ________________________________________
  • Follow-up timing: ___________________________________
  • Questions I still have: _____________________________

Want this customized to you?

MyDoctorVisit.com can turn your answers (and optional documents) into a clean visit agenda, smart questions, and a printable packet. Create your packet here.

If you want a plain-English explanation of what a medical document says (informational only), visit ExplainMyDoctor.com.

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