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What to Expect at Your First Psychiatry Appointment
From your free consultation to your first comprehensive evaluation — what happens, what to bring, and how ongoing care works.
The short answer
Your first psychiatry appointment is a conversation, not an exam you can fail. At Momentum Modern Psychiatry, it starts with a free, no-obligation consultation, followed by a 60-minute comprehensive evaluation — preferably in person — in which Dr. Egenburg reviews your symptoms and your psychiatric, medical, family, and personal history, then works with you on a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.
Step 1: A free consultation
The process begins with a free consultation, which you can book online. It's a no-obligation conversation to talk through what you're looking for and whether Momentum is the right fit. It isn't a clinical visit, so there's no need to share sensitive medical details when you schedule — anything private is collected later through a secure, HIPAA-compliant system.
Step 2: Your 60-minute comprehensive evaluation
If you decide to move forward, your first clinical visit is a 60-minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, preferably in person at the Marlboro, NJ office. Dr. Egenburg will ask about:
- What's brought you in, and how it's affecting your daily life.
- Your mental health history, including past diagnoses, treatment, and medications.
- Your medical history and current medications.
- Family history of mental health conditions.
- Sleep, stress, relationships, work, and substance use.
What to bring
A little preparation helps you get the most out of the time:
- A list of current medications and supplements, with doses.
- Medications you've tried in the past — what helped, what didn't, and any side effects.
- Any prior psychiatric records or evaluations, if you have them.
- Your questions and goals, written down so nothing gets missed.
- Relevant family history, if you know it.
What happens at the end of the visit
By the end of the evaluation, you'll talk through Dr. Egenburg's impressions and a proposed plan. That plan may include medication, coordination with a therapist, lifestyle and sleep recommendations, or further evaluation. You're a partner in these decisions — it's a good time to ask about benefits, side effects, and alternatives.
Ongoing care and follow-up visits
After the evaluation, follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes and focus on how you're doing, how you're responding to treatment, and any adjustments. Most patients are seen monthly, with a minimum of one visit every three months depending on stability and treatment needs. Follow-ups may be held by telehealth for patients in New Jersey or New York when clinically appropriate.
Payment and superbills
Momentum is in network with select insurance plans — reach out to find out whether Dr. Egenburg is in your network. For other plans, payment is due at the time of service, and a detailed superbill is provided after each visit that you can submit to your insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. It's worth calling your insurer before your evaluation to understand your out-of-network benefits; contact the practice for current fees.
Getting the most out of your visits
Psychiatric care works best as a partnership. A few habits make a real difference:
- Be as open as you can — there's no wrong answer, and details that feel minor can matter.
- Keep brief notes between visits on mood, sleep, side effects, or anything that changed.
- Take medications as prescribed, and don't stop them suddenly without talking to Dr. Egenburg first.
- Bring up concerns early rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
Privacy and confidentiality
Your information is protected under HIPAA. Momentum uses secure, HIPAA-compliant systems for records, scheduling, communication, and payments, and information is shared with other providers — such as your therapist — only with your permission, except where the law requires otherwise.
If you need help right away
Outpatient psychiatry isn't designed for emergencies. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the first psychiatry appointment?
At Momentum, the first clinical visit is a 60-minute comprehensive evaluation. It's preceded by a free, no-obligation consultation.
Can my first appointment be virtual?
The initial evaluation is preferably conducted in person in Marlboro, NJ. Telehealth is available for patients in New Jersey and New York when clinically appropriate.
Will I get medication at my first visit?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on your evaluation, and medication is one of several options you and Dr. Egenburg may discuss.
Do I need to prepare anything?
It helps to bring a list of your current and past medications, any prior records, and your questions. None of it is required to get started.
How often are follow-up appointments?
Most patients are seen monthly, with a minimum of one visit every three months, depending on clinical stability and treatment needs. Follow-ups are typically 30 minutes.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give as much notice as possible. Missed or late-cancelled appointments may be subject to a fee; the details are shared with you at intake.
Start with a free consultation
A no-cost conversation with Dr. Egenburg's office to talk through what you're looking for and whether Momentum is the right fit. In person in Marlboro, NJ, or by telehealth in New Jersey and New York.
Related
From Momentum Modern Psychiatry, the practice of Deanna Egenburg, MD. Updated September 2026. For general information only — not medical advice.