Free Guides & Resources
Practical, expert-created guides you can use right now.
These downloadable guides are based on the questions patients and families ask us most. Each one is designed to give you clear, actionable information in a format you can reference anytime you need it.
Expert Guides
Created by our clinical team
- Written in plain language
- Based on 35+ years of experience
- Actionable checklists and steps
- Completely free, no sign-up required
Choose a Guide
Each guide addresses a specific need. Download the ones that are relevant to your situation.
Preparing for Your First Psychiatric Evaluation
A step-by-step guide to help you feel confident and prepared before your first visit. Covers what to bring, what questions to expect, how to describe your symptoms, and what the evaluation process looks like from start to finish. Written in a warm, reassuring tone for adults and parents alike.
What Is Inside:
- What to bring to your appointment
- How to describe your symptoms effectively
- What the three-part evaluation looks like
- Questions you should ask your psychiatrist
- How to prepare children for the visit
My Child's ADHD: 30-Day Action Plan
A practical, day-by-day guide for parents who have just received an ADHD diagnosis for their child. Covers the first week after diagnosis, setting up school accommodations, building home routines, medication basics, and how to talk to your child about ADHD. Designed to take the overwhelm out of a new diagnosis.
What Is Inside:
- Week 1: Understanding the diagnosis
- Week 2: Setting up school accommodations
- Week 3: Building effective home routines
- Week 4: Monitoring progress and adjusting
- Bonus: How to talk to your child about ADHD
Signs It Might Be Time for an Evaluation
A clear, honest checklist for adults who are wondering if they need a psychiatric evaluation and for parents who are concerned about their child. Covers common signs of ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD. Includes guidance on when to seek help and what to do next.
What Is Inside:
- Adult self-assessment checklist
- Parent observation checklist for children
- When worry crosses the line into anxiety
- Signs that sadness may be clinical depression
- How to take the next step
What to Do in a Mental Health Crisis
A calm, clear, step-by-step guide for when you or someone you care about is in crisis. Covers how to recognize a crisis, what to do immediately, who to call, when to go to the emergency room, and how to create a safety plan. This guide could save a life. Keep it accessible.
What Is Inside:
- How to recognize a mental health crisis
- Immediate steps to take
- Who to call: 988, 911, and local resources
- When to go to the emergency room
- Creating a personal safety plan
Understanding Your Psychiatric Medication
What to expect in the first 8 weeks of starting a psychiatric medication. A week-by-week timeline covering side effects, when benefits start, what to tell your doctor, and when to call immediately. Covers antidepressants, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications for both adults and children.
What Is Inside:
- Week-by-week timeline: when side effects peak, when benefits start
- Common side effects and practical strategies for each
- When to call your doctor immediately
- Special section for parents starting a child on medication
- Medication myths vs. facts and a printable medication tracker
Navigating School Support: 504 Plans, IEPs & Accommodations
A complete parent guide to getting your child the school accommodations they deserve. Covers the difference between 504 Plans and IEPs, which diagnoses qualify, how to request an evaluation, specific accommodations by diagnosis, and what to do if the school says no.
What Is Inside:
- 504 Plan vs. IEP: clear comparison and which to request
- Sample letter template for requesting an evaluation
- Specific accommodations for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD
- Your legal rights as a parent
- What to do if the school pushes back
Sleep & Mental Health: Better Sleep for the Whole Family
Why sleep is the single most underrated tool in mental health, and exactly what to do about it. Covers sleep hygiene for adults, bedtime routines for children, the unique challenges of teen sleep, and how psychiatric medications affect sleep. Practical checklists you can start tonight.
What Is Inside:
- The sleep-mental health connection (depression, anxiety, ADHD)
- The 5 non-negotiable sleep hygiene essentials
- Children's bedtime routine builder (ages 5-12)
- Teen sleep challenges and what actually works
- Medications that help and hurt sleep
Talking to Your Child About Mental Health
An age-by-age guide for parents on how to have honest, supportive conversations about mental health. Includes exact scripts for explaining therapy, medication, and diagnoses to children at every stage. Covers what to say when a family member has mental illness and how to build a mentally healthy home.
What Is Inside:
- Ages 4-7: Building emotional vocabulary
- Ages 8-12: Explaining therapy, medication, and diagnosis
- Ages 13-17: Depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide
- When a family member has mental illness
- Conversation starters for every situation
Screen Time, Social Media & Your Teen's Mental Health
What the research actually shows about screens and teen mental health, without the scare tactics. Includes a warning signs checklist, a step-by-step parent action plan, a fillable family media agreement template, and guidance on when screen problems become clinical problems that need professional help.
What Is Inside:
- What the research actually shows (and what it does not)
- Warning signs checklist: is screen time hurting your teen?
- 5-step parent action plan that actually works
- Fillable family media agreement template
- When screen problems become clinical problems
Building Your Coping Skills Toolkit
Practical, proven techniques for managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions. Includes breathing exercises used by Navy SEALs, grounding techniques for panic attacks, a simplified CBT thought-challenging worksheet, a daily mood tracker, and journaling prompts. Tools you can use right now.
What Is Inside:
- 5 breathing techniques with step-by-step instructions
- Grounding exercises for panic and overwhelm (5-4-3-2-1 method)
- Simplified CBT thought-challenging worksheet
- Printable daily mood and anxiety tracker
- When coping skills are not enough and you need more help
Print, Save, and Share
All guides are free PDF downloads. Print them out, save them to your phone, or share them with family members, teachers, or anyone who might benefit. No sign-up or email required.
Have questions about any of these topics? Call our office at (859) 341-7453 — we are here to help.
Evidence-Based Content
Every guide is based on current psychiatric research and Dr. Shapiro's 35+ years of clinical practice.
Written with Compassion
These guides are written for real people, not medical professionals. Clear language, no jargon, and a supportive tone throughout.
Share Freely
These guides are free. Share them with family members, friends, teachers, or anyone who might benefit from them.
Guides Are a Great Start. An Evaluation Is the Next Step.
If you have been reading guides and checklists and wondering whether it is time to see a psychiatrist, the answer is probably yes. We are here when you are ready.
If you're experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.