Getting Started at Canyon Behavioral Health
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Beginning mental health treatment can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible. Below you'll find information about the different appointment types, what to expect during your visits, and how to prepare for your first appointment.
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Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what brings you to care. During this comprehensive evaluation, your provider will review your medical history, mental health history, current symptoms, previous treatments, medications, lifestyle factors, and personal goals.
We believe effective treatment starts with understanding the whole person—not just a diagnosis. This appointment is designed to give you time to share your experiences, ask questions, and discuss any concerns you may have about treatment.
Together, we will begin identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms and discuss potential next steps. While medications are not typically prescribed during the initial evaluation, treatment options—including medication, therapy, lifestyle modifications, and additional assessments—may be discussed as part of your overall care plan.
Appointment Length: 90 Minutes
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Seeking an ADHD evaluation can feel overwhelming, especially if you've been struggling with attention, focus, organization, impulsivity, or executive functioning for a long time. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing your experiences and concerns.
ADHD evaluations begin after establishing care through a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. During the evaluation, your provider will take the time to understand your symptoms, personal history, and how these challenges affect different areas of your life, including work, school, home, and relationships. We also consider other factors that may contribute to similar symptoms to help ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we look at the whole person and work collaboratively with you to better understand your needs and goals. If ADHD is identified, your provider will discuss treatment options and recommendations tailored to your individual situation.
We encourage patients to ask questions throughout the evaluation process so they feel informed, supported, and actively involved in their care.
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Following your evaluation, we will work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, symptoms, and goals. During this 50-minute appointment, your provider will review your history, discuss any previous experiences with treatment, and explore what approaches may be most effective for you moving forward.
Treatment planning is a collaborative process. We take the time to understand what has and has not worked in the past, address any questions or concerns you may have, and discuss available treatment options. Depending on your needs, recommendations may include psychiatric medications, nutritional supplements, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, or additional supportive services.
Because mental health care is not one-size-fits-all, treatment plans are designed to reflect your unique circumstances and priorities. Our goal is to help you better understand your symptoms, improve daily functioning, and support long-term emotional wellness through thoughtful, evidence-based care.
Appointment Length: 50 Minutes
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Some patients find it helpful to include a family member, partner, caregiver, or other trusted support person in treatment discussions. These appointments provide an opportunity for everyone involved to better understand your treatment plan, discuss concerns, and ask questions in a supportive environment.
Family participation can be especially valuable when discussing diagnoses, treatment recommendations, medications, symptom changes, or ongoing challenges. Including a trusted support person can help improve communication, strengthen support systems, and ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of treatment goals and next steps.
These appointments are tailored to your individual needs and provide additional time to explore concerns, review progress, and make adjustments to your treatment plan when appropriate. Our goal is to create a collaborative approach that supports your well-being while ensuring you remain an active participant in your care.
Appointment Length: 35–50 Minutes
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Medication management follow-up appointments are an opportunity to review your progress, discuss any changes in symptoms, and ensure your treatment plan continues to meet your needs. During these 25-minute visits, your provider will discuss how you are responding to medications, supplements, or other treatment recommendations and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Mental health treatment is an ongoing process, and adjustments are sometimes needed along the way. These appointments allow us to monitor effectiveness, discuss potential side effects, review changes in your medical history, and make modifications to your treatment plan when appropriate. For children and adolescents, input from parents or guardians may also be incorporated into treatment discussions.
Our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that supports your long-term well-being while ensuring you feel informed, supported, and actively involved in treatment decisions. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your clinical needs and are reviewed collaboratively with your provider throughout your care.
Appointment Length: 25 Minutes
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Our comprehensive mental health services in Bend, Oregon integrate psychiatry, medication management, and behavioral health to provide holistic care. By combining medication management with psychotherapy, we address underlying issues, enhance coping strategies, and promote overall well-being. Our approach creates a supportive environment for discussing progress, expressing concerns, and setting personalized goals, ensuring attentive care throughout your mental health journey.
Psychotherapy appointments are exclusively offered with Rich Akers.
Duration: 50 minutes
What to Bring to Your First Visit
To help us make the most of your visit, please bring the following items:
Photo ID – A government-issued identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Insurance Card – If you're using insurance, bring your current card for verification.
Payment Method – For copays or self-pay services. We accept HSA/FSA cards, credit/debit cards, checks, and portal payments.
Medication List – A complete list of current medications, including dosages and supplements.
Relevant Records – Any previous mental health records, psychological testing, recent lab work, or prior evaluations that may be relevant to your care.
Support Person (Optional) – You’re welcome to bring a trusted friend or family member if you feel it would help during your visit.
Questions or Concerns – Feel free to write down any questions, concerns, symptoms, or treatment goals you'd like to discuss with your provider.
Bringing these items to your appointment helps ensure a smooth visit and allows your provider to better understand your needs and goals.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
To help your appointment go smoothly, please take a few steps to prepare:
Complete Required Forms
Log into the MYIO Patient Portal to fill out your intake paperwork, consent forms, and any applicable assessments.Verify Insurance Coverage
While we verify benefits as a courtesy, we encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage, copays, deductibles, and any prior authorization requirements.Gather Key Information
Make a list of your current medications and supplements, including dosages. It may also be helpful to gather information about previous diagnoses, evaluations, treatments, or mental health history.Write Down Questions
Think about what you’d like to address during your visit—symptoms, goals, concerns, or anything else you'd like to share with your provider.
Taking a few minutes to prepare before your appointment can help you feel more comfortable and make the most of your time with your provider.