Mental Health Office Visit Preparation Guide
Before Your Visit
- Write down your main mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, sleep problems, mood changes).
- Track symptoms over time, including when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse.
- Note how symptoms affect daily life, relationships, work, school, or physical health.
- List current medications, supplements, and any past mental health treatments or diagnoses.
- Identify major life changes, stressors, trauma history, or recent losses.
- Bring questions or concerns about therapy, medication, or support resources.
During Your Visit
- Discuss your symptoms openly and how they affect your quality of life.
- Review possible diagnoses or contributing factors (stress, medical conditions, hormones, trauma).
- Talk through treatment options, including therapy types, medications, lifestyle strategies, or combined approaches.
- Review risks, benefits, and expected timelines for improvement.
- Discuss safety topics when relevant (thoughts of self-harm, panic episodes, sleep disruption).
Top Questions to Ask
- What diagnosis best explains what I’m experiencing?
- What treatment options do you recommend and why?
- How long might it take before I notice improvement?
- What are the potential side effects of medications or treatments?
- Is therapy, medication, or a combination most appropriate for me?
- Are there lifestyle changes that could support my mental health?
- How will we measure progress and success?
- What should I do if my symptoms worsen between visits?
- How often should we follow up or reassess my plan?
- What resources or supports are available outside of appointments?
After Your Visit
- Schedule follow-up visits or therapy sessions as recommended.
- Begin agreed-upon treatment plans and track symptom changes.
- Monitor for medication side effects or emotional changes.
- Use recommended coping strategies or tools between visits.
- Know who to contact in case of worsening symptoms or urgent concerns.
DMBA Navigation Services
Do you need help understanding your options so you can make informed decisions about your medical or mental healthcare?
We can assist you with the following:
- Getting timely access to care when you need it most
- Understanding your treatment options and available services
- Finding providers and resources that fit your needs
- Coordinating next steps after a hospital stay
Ready to get started? Call 801‑578‑5600 or 1‑800‑777‑3622 and ask for Navigation Services.
Full navigation benefits are available with PPO 90, PPO 70, HSA 80, and HSA 60 plans.