Meeting with a new therapist or seeing a psychiatrist for the first time can feel daunting - but behind the scenes, careful preparation is already underway.

Dr Florian Ruths, Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, shares how he prepares to meet a patient for the first time, what documentation he reviews, why we often ask for so much information ahead of a first appointment, and why building a full picture of someone's background and circumstances is key to making meaningful progress.

If you're looking for support, you can reach out to our team here.