What to Bring
Having these items ready will help make your visit as productive as possible.
For All Patients
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Insurance card (front and back)
- A list of all current medications with dosages — or bring the bottles
- Any prior medical or psychiatric records you have access to
- Names and contact info for other providers (therapist, primary care doctor)
Additional Items for Children & Teenagers
- Most recent report card or school evaluations
- Any prior psychological or educational testing reports
- Notes from teachers about classroom behavior (if available)
- Any ADHD rating scales completed by teachers or family
- Custody or guardianship documentation (if applicable)
What to Think About Before Your Visit
You don't need to have all the answers, but reflecting on these topics beforehand will help Dr. Shapiro understand the full picture.
- When did the symptoms first begin?
- How are the symptoms affecting daily life — work, school, relationships, sleep?
- What makes the symptoms better or worse?
- Have there been any major life changes or stressors recently?
- Is there a family history of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, etc.)?
- Have you (or your child) tried any treatments before? What helped or didn't help?
- Are there specific situations that trigger symptoms (e.g., social settings, school, mornings)?
Tips for Parents
- Think about how your child behaves at home versus school — differences matter
- Consider how long the concerns have been present and if they've changed over time
- Note any changes in appetite, sleep, friendships, or academic performance
- It can help to jot down specific examples of behaviors you've noticed
Questions to Ask Dr. Shapiro
There are no bad questions. Here are some that many patients and families find helpful:
- What is your initial impression of what might be going on?
- What are the treatment options, and what do you recommend?
- If medication is recommended, what are the potential benefits and side effects?
- How long before I might notice improvement?
- Would therapy be helpful in addition to (or instead of) medication?
- Are there lifestyle changes that could help (exercise, sleep, diet)?
- How often should we schedule follow-up appointments?
- When should I call the office between appointments?
Additional Questions for Parents
- Should we involve the school in the treatment plan?
- How can we best support our child at home?
- What should we tell our child about the diagnosis or treatment?
- Are there any accommodations at school we should request (504 plan, IEP)?
What to Expect During the Evaluation
Knowing what to expect can ease any nervousness about your first visit.
- The initial evaluation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes
- Dr. Shapiro will ask detailed questions about symptoms, medical history, and daily life
- He will review any records or documents you bring
- You will discuss your medical history, family history, and current stressors
- Treatment options will be discussed together, including both medication and therapy
- There is no obligation to start medication at the first visit — the evaluation helps establish a full picture first
- A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 2 to 4 weeks after the initial visit
For Evaluations with Children & Teenagers
- Dr. Shapiro will spend time talking with both the parent(s) and the child separately
- He may ask about school performance, friendships, and family dynamics
- The goal is to understand the child's experience in their own words, in addition to the parent's perspective
- The conversation is age-appropriate and designed to feel comfortable, not like a test
Ready to Schedule?
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we're here to help.
If you're experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.