New Patient Psychiatric Appointments in Massachusetts

Why the first visit is an evaluation

The first step in deciding whether medication, therapy or both could help is an accurate diagnosis. That takes a thorough psychiatric evaluation, so that is what your first visit is. Joseph asks about your symptoms, history, health, medications, family history and goals, and then talks through what he sees and what the options are.

Not sure where to start? Answer 4 quick questions to see what to expect. Nothing you pick is saved or sent.

Book on the secure patient portal

What to have ready

• Your insurance card, front and back, or a note that you plan to self-pay.
• A list of current medications, including doses, supplements and anything you have stopped recently.
• Past mental health care: diagnoses, medications you tried and how they went, and your last prescriber’s name if you have one.
• Your pharmacy name and location.
• Your primary care provider’s name, if you would like Joseph to coordinate with them.
• What you want to change. A few notes on what is hard right now and what “better” would look like.

You do not need records from every past provider to book. Bring what you have. If more is needed, Joseph will ask and help you request it.

Booking for a child or teen

Journey Psychiatric Care sees teens and adults, and younger children case by case. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian books, completes intake and joins the first visit. After that, how much a parent joins depends on the child’s age and the plan. See child and adolescent psychiatric care and signs your teen may need psychiatric care.

Switching from another provider

If your prescriber left, you moved, or your primary care provider no longer manages your medication, book a new patient evaluation and bring your medication list. Joseph will review what you take before continuing or changing it. Read how to switch psychiatric providers.

Insurance and cost

Before your first visit, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about outpatient behavioral health and telehealth coverage. Some plans need a referral or prior authorization. Our insurance page lists every plan, and the out-of-network page explains invoices. Contact us for current self-pay rates.

Questions before you book?

Call 617-858-8276 or email info@journeypsychiatric.com. Please don’t include medical details by email; use the patient portal for those. More answers are on the FAQ page and the telehealth page.