Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and better understand what you are going through. Mental health concerns can be complex, and sometimes it takes more than one visit to fully understand the situation. The first appointment helps us begin that process and create a plan for treatment together.

The initial visit typically lasts about 60 minutes. During this time, we will talk about your concerns, review your history, and discuss possible treatment options. Some questions may feel detailed, but they help ensure we understand the full picture of your health and well being.

During this visit, we may discuss:

Reason for Visit
What has been bothering you lately and what led you to seek care.

Past Mental Health History
Any previous mental health diagnoses, therapy, medications, hospitalizations, or experiences with self harm or suicidal thoughts.

Family History
Any mental health or medical conditions that run in your family.

Substance Use
Your use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances.

Medical History
Your general health, past medical conditions, surgeries, and coordination with your primary care provider.

Life and Social History
Your relationships, school or work experiences, major life stressors, and personal strengths or interests.

This first visit is just the beginning. Gathering information and understanding your needs continues over time so we can provide the best possible care.

Follow Up Appointments

Follow up visits usually last about 25-45 minutes. These appointments help us check on your progress and make sure your treatment plan is working well for you.

During a follow up visit, we may talk about:

Symptoms and Progress
We will review how you have been feeling since your last visit, including any changes in mood, sleep, anxiety, focus, or other symptoms.

Medication Review
If you are taking medication, we will discuss how it is working, any side effects, and whether adjustments are needed.

Therapy and Coping Strategies
We may talk about how therapy is going and discuss coping strategies such as sleep habits, stress management, exercise, and daily routines.

Goals and Next Steps
We will review your goals, discuss progress, and plan the next steps in your care, including future appointments or referrals if needed.

Regular follow up visits help ensure your treatment continues to support your mental health and overall well being.

An important note: Medications are utilized to manage and alleviate the symptoms of mental disorders. Though they do not provide a cure, they can significantly help in restoring balance and enhancing the quality of life for patients. It is important to understand that medications have different effects on different individuals, making it essential to develop a personalized treatment and medication plan for each person. The outcomes and experiences with these treatments can vary widely. Some individuals may experience immediate and effective relief from their symptoms and might only need medication for a short period. Conversely, others may require long-term medication to manage their condition. It is quite common for patients to try multiple medications over time to find the one that works best for them. This trial-and-error process is crucial to achieving the optimal management of their mental health condition.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between you and a trained provider. It is a safe space to talk about your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences. The goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve your overall mental well being.

There are many different types of therapy, and the approach used often depends on your needs, goals, and personal preferences.

Some common types of psychotherapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors and learning healthier ways to respond to challenges.

Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns may influence current emotions and behaviors.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Focuses on improving relationships, communication, and social support.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Helps people manage intense emotions, develop distress tolerance, and improve relationship skills through mindfulness and practical coping techniques.

Supportive Therapy
Provides encouragement, guidance, and emotional support while helping individuals navigate stress, grief, or ongoing life challenges. 

Couples Therapy
Helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationship.

Different people benefit from different therapy approaches. Your provider will help determine the most helpful type of therapy based on your needs and goals.

All communication between Alice and the patient is kept strictly confidential and complies with all HIPAA regulations. Secure, encrypted systems are used for all communications and record keeping. Confidential information may only be disclosed under the following circumstances:

• The patient or their parent or legal guardian provides written authorization for the release of information.
• Disclosure is required by a court order.
• There is reasonable suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, or neglect.
• There are concerns regarding the patient’s safety or the safety of others.

In situations involving suspected abuse or safety concerns, Alice is legally required to notify the appropriate authorities and or individuals who may be at risk.

Alice Tran serves patients throughout Virginia and Maryland. We also offer telehealth services to patients in all three jurisdictions, making quality psychiatric care accessible regardless of location.

ADHD Treatment Policy: Our practice provides evidence based treatment for ADHD, which may include both stimulant and non stimulant medications when clinically appropriate. In accordance with current telemedicine regulations and safety guidelines, this practice is unable to prescribe stimulant medications to individuals who are currently prescribed benzodiazepines, buprenorphine, or opioid pain medications.

To promote safe and responsible prescribing, the following policies apply:

• If you are transferring care from another provider, new controlled medication prescriptions may only be issued after the State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program confirms that at least 30 days have passed since your last controlled medication fill.

• Early refills for controlled medications are not permitted.

• A urine drug screen may be required as part of the initial evaluation and during ongoing treatment.

• Monthly telehealth visits are required for the continuation and refill of controlled medications.

• Medications will not be prescribed above FDA approved dosing guidelines.

• Patients must participate in regular cardiovascular monitoring, including monthly blood pressure checks, and in some cases an EKG may be required.