THE FIRST APPOINTMENT

We would like to let you know what to expect on your first appointment to decrease any unnecessary anxiety!

Dr Rodriguez prides himself as being a down to earth person, and will try to put you at ease from the start. The first visit is the “initial evaluation”  and lasts approximately 60 minutes, so please try to come  at least 15 minutes before your appointment . You will need this time to fill out some forms with identifying info and read / sign office policy. Private pay patients will already have paid their fees, others will pay their co-payment, via cash or credit card.

If the evaluation is for a child or an adolescent, Dr Rodriguez  will visit initially with all family members present, shortly after will ask the patient and / or siblingss to step out of the room ( and fill out some forms), while he talks to the parents/guardians and gathers info on the particular situation.  Subsequently he will interview the child/adolescent by his or herself, then bring the family back in to discuss the preliminary assessment or diagnosis if available. Then he will  answer questions and proceed with the treatment plan or course of action. Labs and further info from school is frequently requested.

For adults the situation is similar, but will depend on each particular  circumstance whether they come by themselves, as a couple or with extended family.

Advances in many different areas of science over the past 50 years  are showing  that psychiatric conditions are not simply “psychological”,  rather  complex interactions between nature, nurture, mind, body, and spirituality.

Working as a team is essential to accomplish positive long lasting outcomes. Give us the opportunity to guide you in achieving these. Call 210-697-8500 to schedule your appointment.