Topics covered in the first visit
Expect questions about the main concern and its timeline, your physical health and medicines, earlier diagnoses and treatments, family history, sleep, alcohol and drug use, and how things are going at work, school and home. Your psychiatrist will also ask about safety in a calm, matter-of-fact way.
Next steps: read about medication management for Portsmouth patients, learn about telehealth psychiatry or contact our team.
Who books an evaluation in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a historic port city with a busy downtown around Market Square and neighborhoods from the South End to the West End. Parents of students at Portsmouth High School and Portsmouth Middle School often call after a teacher or pediatrician raises a concern, and staff at the Pease Tradeport, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers, and people in hospitality, healthcare and tech often reach out when stress has turned into symptoms that do not go away. Pease Air National Guard Base and the nearby shipyard mean many Portsmouth families have military or defense ties.
Care for the Portsmouth community
Portsmouth brings together a busy downtown, the Pease Tradeport and a large military and shipyard community. Many residents work irregular hours in hospitality or healthcare, and some cross the bridge into Maine for work. Video visits are popular, provided you are in New Hampshire at the time of the appointment.
Time to set aside
A first evaluation usually runs between an hour and an hour and a half. Short questionnaires sent ahead of time make the visit more focused, and later appointments are briefer.
Getting care from Portsmouth
From Portsmouth, our Salem office is about 45 to 55 minutes by car. Many Portsmouth patients choose secure video for most visits and come to Salem when an in-person appointment adds something.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring?
Your medication list, insurance card, any previous records and, for a child, recent school feedback.
Is the evaluation confidential?
Yes. Information is not shared without your written consent, except where the law requires it.
Do I need a referral?
Most patients self-refer. Some insurance plans require a referral, so check with your plan.
Can I have a video visit while I am in Maine?
No. Our psychiatrists are licensed in New Hampshire, so you must be physically in New Hampshire during a video visit.
Related services
- Psychiatric Medication Management in Portsmouth, NH
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist in Portsmouth, NH
- Psychiatric Evaluation in Nashua, NH
- Psychiatric Evaluation in Dover, NH
Book an appointment
Call 603-600-8330 or use our contact form. Office: 215 South Broadway, Unit 129, Salem, NH 03079.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. PsychNashua does not provide emergency care.