A conversation with Timothy Jeider, co-founder of Psychiatry Connection
—
For many people, the idea of meeting with a psychiatrist for the first time—especially virtually—can feel intimidating.
Dr. Timothy Jeider, co-founder of Psychiatry Connection, walks us through exactly what happens before, during, and after your first appointment, as well as how to prepare and what outcomes to expect.
Before Your Appointment
Before your first visit, there’s a simple intake and scheduling process that sets you up for a smooth appointment. New patients start by connecting with a member of the team who helps gather the basics and confirm coverage.
Basic demographic information will be collected—name, date of birth, address, insurance details. The intake coordinator will also verify that insurance is active and covers services. Once that’s confirmed, patients receive their appointment date.
The night before the appointment, another reminder is sent, and if the appointment is virtual, that will include the Zoom link they’ll use to join their appointment, he says.
About 5–30 minutes before the appointment, a care coordinator calls to complete pre-check-in. We confirm that nothing has changed with insurance, pharmacy, or contact information, and ask if there are specific concerns or side effects the patient wants to address. That way, the clinician is prepared before the appointment begins.
Once those quick steps are complete, you’re ready for your actual session.
During the Appointment
When meeting virtually, patients will enter a digital waiting room—just like sitting in a doctor’s office—and are moved into the provider’s virtual room when ready.
“Our intakes are usually anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 minutes in length to go through all of that,” Jeider explains. “This is a back and forth dialogue that you’re going to have between you and your doctor.”
These initial appointments are conversational, not clinical interrogations. They’re designed to help the clinician understand your story and build a treatment plan that makes sense for you.
What Questions You’ll Be Asked
Be ready to talk about yourself—kind of a “life story”—while your provider first looks to identify a “chief complaint.”
“Most people are usually coming in for a specific complaint of depression, anxiety, attention deficit, whatever it is. In medical jargon, we call that your chief complaint—why are you specifically here?” he said.
He encourages patients to spend some time reflecting before the appointment and think about how they’d describe their symptoms in their own words.
“I say that everyone’s depression is unique to them… so how would you explain it to someone who’s never experienced it before?” Jeider said. In addition, think about how those symptoms affect your day-to-day functioning—what are the physical, emotional, and practical impacts?
Beyond symptoms, Jeider emphasizes the importance of context. “Come prepared to talk about your bigger story, your bigger life picture,” he says. “Your life experiences kind of set the stage for what’s going on right now.” This can include stressors, coping skills, daily habits, family structure, self-care routines, and hobbies.
You may also be asked about your work or routines—is it high stress? Do you consume caffeine late at night and then struggle to sleep? These real-life details help your psychiatrist understand how lifestyle factors might be contributing to symptoms.
The same is true for a patient who comes in with a complaint of depression but describes their life as picturesque—this may point to a brain chemistry issue. Whereas someone who is depressed but experiencing a violent relationship may need a different treatment plan. The patient’s chief complaint is then placed in the context of their life experience so various solutions can be analyzed.
“Be ready to discuss your life story,” Jeider says. “We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what your childhood and teen years were like, and what your life looks like now. It helps us put everything into context.”
He also recommends thinking ahead about treatment preferences. While some people already have opinions about medication, Jeider encourages an open mind. “Sometimes our internet researches or the experience of a friend, while it sounds good, may not actually apply to you for a treatment plan for some reason,” he said.
After the Appointment
By the end of the visit, patients and doctors typically establish a shared understanding of what’s going on. “Your psychiatrist might ask what you think is happening, then share their perspective. Together, you’ll find common ground on the diagnosis and discuss next steps—whether that’s medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.”
Follow-up appointments are usually 25–30 minutes long and focus on progress. “We talk about how the treatment plan is going, what’s improved, what’s changed in life, and what adjustments might be needed,” Jeider explains. Your provider will help determine the appropriate amount of time of your follow-up appointment—whether it’s one week or two months away.
The goal is to leave your first appointment with clarity about what’s going on—and confidence in a plan to move forward.
