Key Takeaways:
- Luxury Psychiatry Clinic in West Loop, Chicago offers first-time psychiatry appointments with board-certified psychiatrists, PMHNPs, and licensed mental health providers for conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD.
- Initial evaluations last 60–90 minutes and include a comprehensive review of mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment options like psychotherapy, medication management, TMS, or Spravato (esketamine) therapy.
- What should you bring to your first psychiatry appointment? Patients are encouraged to bring a list of current medications, relevant medical or psychiatric records, insurance information, and any questions for their provider.
- The clinic provides both in-person and telepsychiatry services, accepts major insurance plans including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, and Aetna, and serves residents throughout Chicago with a centrally located West Loop office.
- FDA-approved treatments such as TMS and Spravato are available for treatment-resistant depression, delivered in a safe, supportive environment by experienced mental health professionals led by Dr. Michelle Dees.
What to Expect at Your First Psychiatry Appointment in West Loop, Chicago
At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic in West Loop, Chicago, your first psychiatry appointment is designed to be a comfortable, informative experience centered around your unique needs. During this initial visit, you’ll meet with a board-certified psychiatrist, PMHNP, or licensed mental health provider who will take the time to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals for treatment. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, or another concern, our team is here to listen without judgment.
We’ll also discuss treatment options available to you, which may include psychotherapy, medication management, or advanced interventions like TMS or Spravato (esketamine) therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Your clinician will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports your long-term well-being and fits your daily life. We accept many insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, and Aetna, and offer both in-person and telehealth options for maximum flexibility.
How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
Before your first visit to our West Loop psychiatry clinic, a little preparation can go a long way in making your appointment more productive and stress-free. Here’s what we recommend:
Bring the following items:
- A list of your current medications and dosages
- Any relevant medical or psychiatric records
- Notes or discharge summaries from previous providers (e.g., therapist, social worker, or psychiatric nurse practitioner)
- Your insurance card (we’re in-network with Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, and others)
Reflect on your mental health goals:
- What symptoms are affecting your daily life? (e.g., anxiety, low mood, trouble focusing)
- Have you been diagnosed with or suspect ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or another mental health condition?
- Are you interested in specific treatment options like CBT, DBT, TMS, or Spravato (esketamine)?
Write down any questions you may have:
- What does medication management involve?
- How does talk therapy differ from other modalities like group therapy or individual therapy?
- What kind of insurance coverage is available for advanced treatments?
Whether you choose in-person care or telehealth, our team at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic is here to support your well-being with evidence-based and personalized mental health care.
What Happens During the Initial Evaluation
Your initial psychiatric evaluation at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic in West Loop, Chicago is a comprehensive and collaborative experience designed to help us understand your full mental health picture. A board-certified psychiatrist, PMHNP, or licensed mental health provider will guide you through a thoughtful conversation about your medical history, current symptoms, past treatment plans, and any relevant life experiences impacting your well-being.
The evaluation typically lasts 60–90 minutes and may include:
- A discussion of symptoms related to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, or mood disorders
- Review of any previous psychotherapy or medication management history
- Exploration of your lifestyle, sleep habits, stressors, and support system
- Screening for co-occurring issues like substance use or eating disorders
Based on your needs, your provider may recommend individual therapy, group therapy, CBT, DBT, or advanced treatments like TMS or Spravato. We’ll also discuss insurance coverage and whether your plan (e.g., Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna) is in-network. This first session is a judgment-free space focused entirely on building a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your mental health goals.
Questions Your Psychiatrist Might Ask
During your first psychiatry appointment at our West Loop clinic, your provider will ask a series of thoughtful, supportive questions to better understand your mental health challenges and determine the best treatment options for you. These questions are designed to explore your emotional well-being, medical history, and lifestyle—not to judge, but to help create an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Here are some examples of what you might be asked:
- What symptoms are you currently experiencing (e.g., anxiety, low mood, trouble focusing)?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition like bipolar disorder, OCD, or ADHD?
- What forms of mental health treatment have you tried in the past, such as talk therapy, CBT, or medication management?
- Do you have a history of substance use or eating disorders?
- How are your sleep, appetite, and energy levels?
- Are there any recent stressors or life changes affecting your daily life?
Your psychiatrist may also ask about family history, current medications, and whether you’re interested in evidence-based options like TMS, Spravato, or online therapy. These questions help us better serve your individual needs and ensure that your care is both effective and compassionate.
Finding the Right Psychiatrist in West Loop
Choosing the right psychiatrist is a key step in your mental health journey, and it’s about more than just availability. You want a provider who understands your individual needs, offers evidence-based care, and makes you feel comfortable from the very first visit.
Why Location Matters: Accessibility in West Loop
When you’re navigating mental health challenges, convenience and consistency are everything. That’s why finding a psychiatrist in West Loop, Chicago—close to home, work, or public transit—can make it easier to stay engaged in your care. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, parenting duties, or simply trying to prioritize your well-being, proximity reduces stress and improves long-term treatment adherence. At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we’re proud to be centrally located and easily accessible for residents across the city.
Choosing Between In-Person and Telepsychiatry in Chicago
Whether you prefer the familiarity of an in-person visit or the flexibility of online therapy, both options offer high-quality, evidence-based mental health care. Many clients appreciate the structure and personal connection of office visits, especially for talk therapy or group therapy. Others find telehealth more convenient for medication management, check-ins, or during periods of high stress. Our Chicago clinic offers both modalities to ensure you receive consistent, accessible support—no matter your schedule or comfort level.
How to Vet a Psychiatrist’s Credentials and Specialties
A strong therapeutic relationship begins with confidence in your provider’s training and expertise. Look for a board-certified psychiatrist, PMHNP, or licensed clinician who has experience treating your specific concerns—whether that’s anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant depression. Ask about their familiarity with CBT, DBT, TMS, or Spravato (esketamine), and check if they’re in-network with your insurance plan, such as Blue Cross, Cigna, or Aetna. Don’t hesitate to inquire about their approach to care, philosophy, and experience working with clients like you.
Common Concerns About Your First Psychiatric Visit
It’s completely natural to have questions or feel uncertain before meeting with a mental health provider for the first time. At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic in West Loop, we aim to create a calm, supportive environment that meets you where you are—whether you’re ready to dive into a treatment plan or just beginning to explore your mental health care options.
Is It Normal to Feel Nervous Before Your First Appointment?
Yes—feeling nervous, anxious, or even hesitant is extremely common before your first psychiatry visit. You’re opening up about personal experiences and emotions, often for the first time. Our team of compassionate, board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals understands this and works hard to make you feel seen, heard, and supported from the moment you arrive. You’re not expected to have all the answers—just the willingness to start.
Will You Be Prescribed Medication Right Away?
Not necessarily. While medication management may be part of your eventual treatment plan, it’s rarely the first or only option discussed. Your psychiatrist will take time to understand your mental health conditions, symptoms, and preferences before recommending any intervention. Often, we begin with psychotherapy, CBT, or lifestyle-based strategies before considering medications—unless symptoms are severe or urgent.
What If You’re Not Sure What You’re Feeling?
That’s okay—and actually quite common. You don’t need a clear diagnosis or the “right words” to describe your experience. One of the main goals of the first visit is to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, guided space. Our mental health clinicians are trained to help you make sense of emotional confusion, offering clarity through conversation, screening tools, and evidence-based assessments.
First-Time Psychiatry Services at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic
At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we specialize in making your first psychiatrist visit in West Loop, Chicago as welcoming and effective as possible. From the moment you walk in—or log on—we prioritize your comfort, well-being, and long-term success with personalized mental health care rooted in compassion and evidence-based treatment.
Meet Dr. Michelle Dees and Our West Loop Team
Dr. Michelle Dees, a respected board-certified psychiatrist, leads our team of experienced mental health professionals, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, professional counselors, and social workers. Located in the heart of West Loop, our clinic offers a boutique experience without compromising on clinical excellence. Dr. Dees is known for her patient-first approach and for developing strong therapeutic relationships grounded in empathy, collaboration, and trust. Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or transitioning from another provider, you’re in skilled, caring hands.
Personalized Care for Anxiety, Depression, and More
We treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and eating disorders, all with individualized treatment strategies. Your journey begins with a thorough assessment and leads to a custom treatment plan that may include individual therapy, group therapy, CBT, DBT, or medication management. We also work with most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Shield, ensuring your path to mental wellness is accessible and supported.
Integrative Options Like TMS and Ketamine Therapy
For clients facing treatment-resistant depression or those seeking alternatives to traditional medications, we offer innovative solutions like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine) therapy. These FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments are administered in a safe, supportive environment and are often covered by insurance. By combining the best of traditional psychiatry with cutting-edge neuroscience, we help clients find relief when other treatments haven’t worked—always with a focus on your individual needs and long-term well-being.
FAQ: First Psychiatrist Appointment in West Loop
Your first visit typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, allowing time for a full mental health assessment, discussion of symptoms, and development of a personalized treatment plan.
Bring a list of current medications, relevant medical or mental health records, your insurance card, and any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with your provider.
Yes, most psychiatry services are covered by insurance in Chicago. At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we accept major insurance plans including Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Shield to make care more accessible.
