A little preparation makes the visit more useful
Prepare for a Psychiatric Consultation
You do not need to explain everything perfectly. A short written timeline and honest information can help the clinician understand what has changed.
Do not delay emergency care to prepare notes. For immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Write down the main concern
- What changed, when it began, whether it was sudden or gradual, and how often it happens
- Effects on sleep, appetite, energy, study, work, relationships, self-care and safety
- Any thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harming others
- Unusual experiences such as hearing voices, strong suspiciousness, confusion or periods of very high energy
- Recent stress, loss, childbirth, fever, injury, seizures or major medical change
Bring accurate health information
- All prescription and non-prescription medicines, injections, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements—with doses or photos of labels
- Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sleeping pills or other substance use, including recent stopping
- Allergies and past side effects
- Previous diagnoses, hospital stays, tests, prescriptions and what helped or did not help
- Relevant medical and family mental health history
During the appointment
- Be honest; clinicians need accurate information to assess safely
- Bring a trusted person if helpful, while asking for private time if you want it
- Ask what the possible explanations are and whether physical tests are needed
- Ask about treatment choices, expected benefits, side effects, monitoring, cost and follow-up
- Repeat back the plan and request written instructions if anything is unclear
Before leaving
- Know which medicine to take, how and when—do not rely on memory if unsure
- Know what side effects need a routine call and what needs urgent help
- Confirm the follow-up date and who to contact if symptoms worsen
- Keep the prescription and updated medicine list together
Related guides
Sources and review
How this guide was prepared
Prepared by the Dr H N Roy Mental Health Awareness Initiative editorial team from the public-health sources below. Last editorial review: 14 September 2026.
Medical-review status: General educational content; no individual clinical reviewer is named. Do not use this page as diagnosis or personalised medical advice.
- National Institute of Mental Health: Talking with a health care provider
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental health medications
- Government of India, DGHS: National Mental Health Programme and Tele-MANAS