First Online Psychiatry Visit for Anxiety

Key points

Prepare a list of all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements.
Expect questions about symptoms, how they affect your life, your history and what you have tried.
Write down your questions beforehand, as NIMH suggests.
A first visit may not end in a prescription, and that is a normal outcome.
Set up a private, comfortable spot with a charged device and a steady connection.

What to bring

A little preparation can make the time feel easier. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests making a list of what you want to discuss and any questions, and preparing a list of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Every medicine and supplement you take now, with how you take it.
Medicines you have tried before, what happened, and why you stopped.
Notes on your anxiety: when it started, what sets it off, and what your body does.
Any diagnoses, health conditions, allergies or recent lab work you know about.
The names of your therapist, primary care provider or other prescribers, if you want them involved.
Whether you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Setting up for a video visit

Every visit with us is by secure video, so you need a phone, tablet or computer and an internet connection. NIMH notes that virtual visits may feel less private if people nearby can see or overhear, so choose a spot where you can speak freely.

You must be physically located in Pennsylvania or New York during each visit with our psychiatrist. If you will be traveling that day, let us know ahead of time.

What you may be asked

Every clinician has their own style. These are the kinds of topics a psychiatrist commonly covers, so you can think about them ahead of time. You can say you are not sure, or that a question is hard to answer.

What brought you inWhat worries you most, and what you would like to be different. Your own words are the best place to begin.
Your symptomsWorry, panic, avoidance, trouble sleeping, or physical feelings such as a racing heart. MedlinePlus notes anxiety can cause sweating, restlessness, tension and a rapid heartbeat.
Your historyPast treatment, family history, medical conditions and what has helped or not. This includes questions about caffeine and other substances, which MedlinePlus says can make symptoms worse.
Your safetyClinicians often ask about thoughts of suicide or self-harm. This is a routine question, and honest answers help you get the right care.

Why it may not end in a prescription

It helps to go in knowing this. NIMH says treatment for generalized anxiety disorder typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both, and that the right plan depends on a person's needs, preferences and medical situation. A first visit might end with a medicine, a referral for therapy, a request for records or lab work, or a plan to meet again before deciding.

Any of these can be a good outcome. If a medicine is discussed, you can ask what it is for, whether that use is on its FDA label or off-label, what side effects to watch for, how long it takes to work, and what the other choices are. NIMH suggests saying so if a suggested treatment is one you are not comfortable with, and asking whether there are other options. Whether a medicine is an option for you is a decision for you and your prescriber.

Some anxiety medicines are controlled substances with extra rules. We explain them in our guide on whether benzodiazepines can be prescribed online.

If you already take a medicine

Keep taking it as prescribed unless a clinician tells you otherwise.
Talk to your provider before making changes.
Tell the psychiatrist who prescribes it now, and how much you have left.

After the visit

It is normal to forget some of what was said. Write down what you agreed on, what to report, and when you will next meet. NIMH says medicines can affect people differently and that it may take several tries to find the one that works well with the fewest side effects, so a follow-up is part of the plan.

Tell your prescriber about new side effects. Antidepressants carry a warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens and young adults, and NIMH says people of all ages taking them should be watched closely, especially in the first few weeks. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.

Getting started with us

A licensed psychiatrist on our team, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with more than three decades of practice, treats anxiety by secure video. He is open to new patients and referrals. Ask us about fees, coverage, ages seen and whether you need to be in therapy here. Reach out through contact us about medication care, or read about online anxiety treatment.

You can also read our overview of medications for anxiety before your visit, and see online psychiatry in New York if that is where you live. Our therapists see clients in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado and Florida, not New York, and they do not prescribe.

Common questions

Will I get a prescription at my first visit?

Not necessarily, and we cannot promise one. Some visits end with a medicine and others with a different plan, a referral or a request for more information. The decision depends on your history, symptoms and other medicines, and it is made with you. You are welcome to ask why a choice is being suggested.

What if I feel too nervous to talk on video?

That is very common with anxiety, and you can just say so at the start. Writing a few notes ahead of time can help you remember what to say. NIMH notes that connecting online may feel less intimidating than in-person care for some people, and that some feel uncomfortable on camera, so mention what would help.

Should I stop my current medicine before the visit?

No. Please do not stop or change a medicine to prepare for a visit unless the clinician who prescribes it tells you to. Stopping some anxiety medicines suddenly can be dangerous. Bring the name, how you take it, and how long you have taken it, and raise any concerns during the visit.

Can a family member join my online visit?

Ask us when you reach out. NIMH says it can help to bring a close friend or relative to an appointment, because a companion can offer support, help you take notes and remember what you discussed. If you prefer to have the visit alone, that is fine too. Choose what helps you speak openly.

Sources

Published by Locascio Wellness. Published November 5, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Kenneth M. Levy, DO, Psychiatrist (Pennsylvania license OS007464L). This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

Your First Online Psychiatry Visit for Anxiety: What to Expect