Volume OneFor New PatientsStart Here
Everything you need before your first appointment, gathered in one place: what to expect, your paperwork, the secure app we use to stay in touch, the short journal that makes your visit more useful, and how to book. Take it one step at a time. If anything is unclear, call and we will walk you through it.
i.What to Expect
Your first visit is a full psychiatric evaluation. It is a conversation, not a test. The goal is to understand your history and your goals well enough to build a plan that actually fits your life.
Set aside 60 to 75 minutes
The first appointment is longer on purpose. We cover your mental health history, physical health, life context, any substance use history, and what you want to get out of care.
In person or by video
Telehealth is available across Indiana. If you choose video, you will get a secure link ahead of time. All you need is a private space and a stable connection.
Come as you are
Care here is non-judgmental by design. Your history does not change how you are treated. Bring a list of current medications and any questions you have.
You leave with a plan
Clinical impressions are shared with you at the appointment. Decisions are made together, and the reasoning is always explained.
ii.Before Your Visit
Doing these before your appointment means we spend your visit on you, not on paperwork. Take them in order.
Step One
When you book, your intake forms are sent to you securely to complete before your visit. Fill them out at your own pace. Nothing needs to be printed.
Booking is where paperwork starts. If you have already booked and did not receive your forms, call or message us.
Book & Get Your Forms →Step Two · Recommended
Spruce is the secure, HIPAA-compliant app we use to stay in touch. Message the practice, get replies, share documents, and receive faxes, all in one private place. It is free for you to use.
Install it, then Angela connects with you. Please do not use regular text or email for anything private.
Get Spruce (App Store / Google Play) →Step Three
A few seconds a day tracking mood, sleep, and medication gives us a clear picture to work from. Bring it, or send it through Spruce before your appointment.
Prefer an app? Daylio works well for daily mood and sleep tracking. Use whatever you will actually keep up with.
Open the Journal (PDF) →One secure place
Your health information deserves a private channel, not a regular text thread. Spruce keeps our messages, your documents, and any faxes in one HIPAA-compliant place, so you always know where to reach the practice and where to find what you sent.
After you download the app, Angela connects with you directly. From then on, a question, a refill request, or your journal can all travel the same secure way. It keeps your care organized and your information protected.
Free for patients · secure messaging, documents, and faxes · HIPAA-compliant
iv.Scheduling
Booking is online and takes a couple of minutes. Pick a time that works, and your intake forms follow automatically.
Use the booking page to see openings and pick what fits. Prefer to talk to a person first? Call (219) 444-7946 and we will help you find a time.
Once you book, your new patient paperwork is sent to you securely. Complete it before your visit so your appointment is all about you.
Download Spruce Health so we can reach each other securely before and after your visit. This is where refill requests, questions, and your journal live.
For telehealth, your secure link comes ahead of time. For in-person visits, we are at 2646 W Lincoln Hwy, Suite A, Merrillville.
Volume OneWelcome
You do not have to have it all figured out before you reach out. A short conversation usually makes the first step clear.