In psychiatry, the interview is everything, especially the first one. Unlike other medical specialties, a psychiatrist cannot rely much on laboratory tests and imaging to help with the diagnostic formulation. It takes a skilled interviewer to establish trust and carefully elicit as much meaningful information as possible to craft an accurate assessment. 

While a psychiatric diagnosis is ever evolving, the Initial Assessment serves as a valuable working framework to guide treatment and facilitate understanding. This impression changes over time as new information, patient experiences, and therapeutic progress come to light. The best diagnosticians possess persistence, nuance, and reliable pattern recognition in addition to genuine curiosity and the ability to create an open and safe space for the patient, over the course of many appointments. 

With me, this systematic and intentional process starts from the very first appointment, which is 90 to 120 minutes. The typical follow-ups are 45 to 60 minutes. This longer interview ensures that I get all the important details and affords a relaxed tempo, allowing you and I to build on the therapeutic alliance. The gentle and unhurried pace, different from what you may be used to in standard psychiatric practice, gives us ample time to discuss and formulate the treatment plan together, ensuring better comfort, confidence, and understanding.