Canonical page: https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/first-evaluation-preparation/ [Home](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/)[Education guides](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn)[First evaluation and medication management](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/topics/first-psychiatric-evaluation) Your first psychiatric evaluation: what to bring and what to ask Patient guide · First evaluation and medication management # Your first psychiatric evaluation: what to bring and what to ask Prepare for adult psychiatric care with a simple checklist, transparent self-pay costs, and clear insurance and consultation options. [](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/elizabeth-ghadimi) Clinically reviewed by [Elizabeth Ghadimi, PMHNP-BC](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/elizabeth-ghadimi) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical review confirmed October 29, 2026 Illustrative stock photograph · Mikhail Nilov / Pexels [Appointment preparation](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/tags/appointment-preparation)[First visit](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/tags/first-visit)[Costs and coverage](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/tags/costs-and-coverage) In this guide[Start with the question you want help answering](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/#1)[A short preparation checklist](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/#2)[Understand the cost before continuing](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/#3)[Use the route that fits you](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/#4) ## Start with the question you want help answering You do not have to know which diagnosis or treatment fits before asking for care. A first appointment is a place to explain your concerns and discuss a next step. One useful preparation is to finish this sentence for yourself: 'The change I most want help with is…' Bring that note to the visit rather than submitting clinical details through a general website form. ## A short preparation checklist - Bring a current list of medications, supplements and allergies, along with any previous treatment information you would like to discuss. - Make a brief timeline of what changed and how it affects daily life. Include sleep and questions about side effects or past treatment experiences. - Write down your main questions. Ask how the proposed plan will be followed up and whom to contact if a concern arises. - For telehealth, choose a private place and be physically in Texas at the time of your visit. For in-person care, use the confirmed El Paso office appointment details. ## Understand the cost before continuing Her Mind & Wellness offers an initial 60-minute self-pay visit for $175 and a 30-minute follow-up for $95. Insurance patients continue directly to Elizabeth Ghadimi's Headway profile to confirm coverage and their costs. The website does not collect a payment at this step. A free 15-minute introductory consultation can help you ask about the practice before deciding on an evaluation. This introduction is not a full psychiatric evaluation and does not include a promise of diagnosis or prescribing. ## Use the route that fits you The Get started panel lets you choose insurance, self-pay, a free introduction, or an optional self-check. Insurance opens Headway directly. Self-pay and consultation requests use the practice's request process and require confirmation; a request is not a confirmed calendar appointment. Elizabeth Ghadimi is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, PMHNP-BC. Adult care is available at the El Paso office and through Texas telehealth. Treatment decisions are made clinically; a first visit does not guarantee a particular medication. This material is educational and does not diagnose or replace personal medical advice. Do not start, stop or change medication based on this page. For suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988. If you are in immediate danger or having a medical emergency, call 911. Website appointment requests are not an emergency service. ## Sources - [NIMH: Talking With a Health Care Provider About Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider) - [NIMH: Mental Health Medications](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications) ## Considering an appointment? Explore [in-person adult psychiatric evaluations in El Paso](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/elpaso) or [adult psychiatric telehealth throughout Texas](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/care). Learn more about [Elizabeth Ghadimi’s credentials](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/elizabeth-ghadimi). Insurance booking is handled through Headway; self-pay requests are confirmed by the practice. ## Related guides - [How to book an adult psychiatric telehealth visit in Texas](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/texas-psychiatric-telehealth-booking) - [How to request an in-person psychiatric evaluation in El Paso](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/psychiatric-evaluation-el-paso-booking) - [Questions to ask before starting or changing psychiatric medication](https://www.hermindandwellness.com/learn/psychiatric-medication-questions-first-appointment)