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Therapy session discussion

What to Expect as A Patient

What Makes Our Treatment So Effective? 

Brightland Health is a leading Chicago Psychiatry and Therapy practice in Lincoln Park, Lakeview. Every person is different - there is no one-size-fits-all treatment - rather, we give personalized and attentive care to every patient that addresses your needs, goals, concerns and comfort levels to meet your individualized needs.

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​We understand that the process of starting care with a psychiatrist or therapist can be scary. It is ok to feel apprehensive at first. But it is often way easier than you might expect. Our doctors, therapists, and other mental health professionals are here to comfort you and not judge you. For example, lots of people see a psychiatrist for ADHD or a therapist for anxiety. Seeing the right type of care provider for any aspect of your health is not really much different than seeing an eye doctor or a dentist. You may find it is mostly just answering questions about how you are feeling. It is all about taking care of yourself and getting the proper care you deserve.

 

We combine the best components of therapy and psychiatry to give our patients a comprehensive, approach that can incorporate medication management and consultative therapies with personalized support, allowing us to offer long-lasting solutions and transformative outcomes. With a track record of success, we can help you not only manage symptoms but also thrive, building confidence, and achieving your personal and professional goals. ​

Stacked Stones Near Waterfall

Psychiatry Visits:

During a psychiatry appointment with a psychiatrist, especially your first one, it is mostly just a conversation aimed at understanding your mental health situation, current condition, symptoms, and overall well-being. This discussion will include several questions about your current situation and other possible symptoms that you may or may not have. Furthermore, your psychiatrist (or psychiatry provider) will ask you about your mental health history. Have you taken any psychiatric medications in the past? Have you seen a psychiatrist for ADHD or anxiety or depression in the past? We understand this process may seem daunting or scary at first but we are here to help you.

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

Intake and Evaluation (First Psychiatry Appointment)

  • Duration: Usually 45-60 minutes for the first session.

  • Topics discussed:

    • Reason for visit: Your current symptoms or concerns:

      • Depressed mood, anxiety, poor concentration, mood swings, trouble sleeping.

    • Current Medications: What medications are you taking now? (If any)

    • Psychiatric history: Past medications, diagnosis, treatments.

    • Potential symptoms: Other issues, problems, concerns you might have.

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Diagnosis

A psychiatrist might give you a preliminary diagnosis (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Insomnia)

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Treatment Plan

Your psychiatrist will develop a treatment plan that will likely involve the recommendation of taking psychiatric medications. This is completely up to you; your mental health provider would never “force” you to take medications. The psychiatrist would only suggest what we think would best help alleviate your symptoms and help you feel better again

Follow-Up Psychiatry Appointments
(Ongoing Appointments)

It is important that you continue to receive care. This is an ongoing process. We want to help you by monitoring your improvement. At subsequent visits with your psychiatrist, you would want to discuss your progress, and the benefits of any prescribed medications. Do you have any possible side effects? Are you feeling better, worse, or the same? Be patient it is a bit of trial and error, and it takes time, but ultimately you can improve.

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  • Duration: Usually 15-20 minutes for ongoing psychiatry appointments.

  • Frequency: Usually every 1-3 months.

  • Topics discussed:

    • Reason for visit: Your current feelings or residual symptoms or concerns (if any)

    • Benefits of Medications: How did the medication help you?

Therapy Visits:

Therapy appointments are safe, confidential conversations focused on understanding what you're going through and helping you feel better over time. You will spend more time talking about your feelings. Therapist appointments are often weekly and last about 50-60 minutes.

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During your first therapy visit, you might see a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (L.C.P.C.) or a Psychologist (Ph.D./Psy.D.) These are all therapists and are all professionals trained to help you feel better.

 

Your therapist will ask about why you came to therapy (your current concerns.) Be prepared to discuss your personal background (family, work, relationships.) You will likely be asked about any past therapy or mental health history. You’ll be encouraged to talk freely about your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will listen closely and may ask challenging questions. As soon as your first visit you may start learning coping strategies, or how to reframe your thoughts, build emotional awareness, and set goals. Psychotherapy is more about helping you understand yourself and less focused on advice giving. You don’t have to tell everything at once -go at your own pace.

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Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect in therapy:

Intake (First Therapy Appointment)

· Duration: Usually 45 - 60 minutes for all sessions.

· Topics discussed:

o Reason for visit: Your current concerns: Mood, relationships, current situation.

o Past therapy: What have you discussed in the past? What does your support system look like?

o Talking, listening, reflecting: Talk freely, feel heard, reflect on your situation.

o Skills: Start to learn coping strategies and reframe your thoughts.

Follow-Up Weekly Therapy
(Ongoing Appointments)

Ongoing therapy sessions is where the real work of healing, growth, and self-understanding happens. It takes time to learn new skills and process feelings. You are encouraged to bring up anything on your mind -from a stressful day to a recurring fear. It is also okay to talk about the therapy itself -what’s helping, what’s not, or how you're feeling about the process. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key. Trust and greater awareness are built over time.

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  • Duration: Usually 45 - 60 minutes for all sessions.

  • Frequency: Every week.

  • Topics discussed:

    • Current situation.

    • Events of the week.

    • Reflect on the previous sessions.

    • Check in on use of coping strategies.

    • Building the therapeutic relationship.

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Remember, we are all highly trained mental health professionals, here to help you feel better and get the proper care you deserve. We are experts in the treatment of several conditions. You may see a psychiatrist to help with Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD or a therapist to help with the same symptoms. At Brightland Health we go above and beyond to give you the best attention tailored to your specific needs and will work with you to find your brighter future.

Difference between Psychiatrist vs. Therapist

PSYCHIATRIST

Psychiatrists are physicians trained in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. These treatments may include prescribing medications. Physician Assistants also do the same thing. On your initial visit, we will develop a treatment plan, that may include the use of medication. After your first appointment, subsequent visits together are important to assess wellness and to sustain a long-lasting positive change.

Learn More

THERAPIST

Therapists are mental health professionals skilled in utilizing talk therapy, which helps patients recognize and navigate through personal issues.  During your initial session, we will get to know you and learn your relevant history in a comfortable way that best suits you.  After your first session, we will work together to achieve your goals with takeaways so that you know each session has been valuable to you.

Learn More

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