What to Expect at Your First Psychiatric Appointment | MJB Holistic
- Melveena Johnson-Bolden, PMHNP-BC
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 6
Your first appointment at MJB Holistic is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with Melveena Johnson-Bolden, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Here's what to expect — and how to prepare so we can make the most of your time together.
Before your first visit
Once you book, our team handles two things: insurance benefits verification and intake paperwork.
Benefits verification — we check your specific plan's coverage, copay, and any prior-authorization requirements before your visit so there are no surprises.
Intake paperwork — you'll get a digital packet covering medical history, current medications, mental health background, family history, and consent forms. Filling these out beforehand frees up your appointment for the conversation that actually matters.
Pharmacy info — have your preferred pharmacy name and address ready. If you're prescribed a medication, it can be sent the same day.
During your first visit
Your initial evaluation covers four things, in roughly this order:
Your story — what's going on now, what you've tried before, what's working, what isn't. Take your time. There's no right or wrong way to describe what you're experiencing.
Medical and family history — things like past psychiatric treatment, current medical conditions, allergies, and any family history of mental health conditions. This shapes what medications are safe and effective for you.
Symptom assessment — using validated screening tools (for ADHD: DIVA-5 or Conners; for depression: PHQ-9; for anxiety: GAD-7, etc.) so we have an objective baseline.
Treatment plan — by the end of the visit, you'll know our recommendation: medication options (with pros, cons, and side effects of each), referrals to therapy if appropriate, and a follow-up cadence. If a prescription makes sense, it's sent to your pharmacy that day.
Telehealth vs. in-person
Most MJB Holistic patients see us via secure telehealth, which is comparable to in-person care for medication management based on peer-reviewed research. You can choose either option:
Telehealth — we send you a secure video link before your visit. Join from a private space with a stable internet connection. Most patients prefer this for convenience.
In-person — visits at our Upper Marlboro office (1300 Mercantile Lane, Suite 129-14). Free parking. The office is convenient to Largo, Mitchellville, Bowie, Lanham, and Capitol Heights.
After your first visit
You leave the first appointment with three things:
A clear treatment plan, written down so you can refer back to it.
A prescription (if one was decided on) sent to your pharmacy.
A follow-up appointment scheduled — typically a few weeks out to check medication response.
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment. Some medications take longer to show full effect; some less. We adjust as needed at follow-ups.
Related Topics
Other resources from MJB Holistic that may be helpful:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Most insurance plans don't require a referral to see a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. We verify this for you during benefits verification.
What insurance do you accept?
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, TriCare and Humana Military, Maryland Medicaid, DC Medicaid (DC residents), Johns Hopkins Health Plans, and Peach State Health Plan (Georgia residents). We verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Will you prescribe controlled substances at the first visit?
ADHD stimulants and other controlled substances are commonly prescribed when clinically appropriate, often at the first visit after a thorough evaluation. Benzodiazepines are prescribed sparingly and short-term per current best-practice guidelines.
What if the first medication doesn't work?
Most psychiatric medications take 4 to 8 weeks to reach full effect, and finding the right fit sometimes takes more than one try. We adjust at follow-ups, and pharmacogenetic (genetic) testing is available for patients who haven't responded to multiple medications.
How private are visits?
All visits and records are protected by HIPAA. Insurance claims include diagnosis codes per standard medical billing, but visit content stays between you and your provider.
Book Your First Visit
Ready to schedule? Book online at https://mjbholistic.intakeq.com/booking or call (301) 381-3622. We typically respond the same business day.