The first session is used to get to know you, listen to why you are coming to me and what you would like to gain from psychiatric care.
For me to help you I systematically collect some information. Some of this could be accomplished through forms, but I find forms impersonal and the information is, well, personal. So we go through together to get a picture of you through your history from before birth to now including your mental health as well as your physical, emotional, developmental processes and social well-being. We may determine a number of sessions. From the very first session there is therapeutic value.
The number of total sessions may vary and may depend on a good fit between me and you, and may be influenced by limitations of insurance and finances however if we are together for 2, 10 sessions or 20, or if we develop a longer term doctor-patient relationship, the focus is always on the value for you, and your needs.