--- title: "New Patients | Getting Started | CARMAhealth" description: "Your guide to becoming a CARMAhealth patient. What to expect, how to prepare, and how to schedule your first psychiatric evaluation." canonical: https://carmahealth.com/new-patients source: https://carmahealth.com/new-patients mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:cbd9d523497e3bad19fd64694b96489fc22fa47984ef8e95f7169c8e489a5041 generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- New Patients # Your First Visit Starts Here Getting started at CARMAhealth is simple. One phone call, and our team takes care of the rest. [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) [Self-Schedule Online](https://healow.com/apps/practice/carmahealth-19331?v=2&t) Getting Started ## Four Steps to Your First Appointment Our front office team walks you through every step so you can focus on your care. 1 ### Call Our Office Reach our scheduling team at (512) 212-4670 or contact Sara directly at (512) 212-5858. We will find a time that works for you and answer any initial questions. 2 ### Verify Your Insurance Before your visit, our team verifies your insurance benefits so there are no surprises. We accept 15+ plans, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. 3 ### Complete Your Intake Paperwork You will receive a link to our secure Phreesia intake portal. Complete your medical history, consent forms, and insurance details online before your appointment. You can also review and complete our [HIPAA Notice acknowledgement](https://form.jotform.com/210037213156139) and [Consent to Release Information](https://form.jotform.com/210037765833153) forms directly. 4 ### Arrive for Your Evaluation Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your practitioner will get to know you, assess your needs, and start building your treatment plan. See our [step-by-step walkthrough](/what-to-expect) of what happens during your visit. (image: Woman standing by a window in a bright modern atrium) Your First Visit ## A Conversation, Not a Checklist Your first appointment at CARMAhealth is a [psychiatric evaluation](/services/psychiatric-evaluation) led by a board-certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. It typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and treatment goals. This is your time to share what you have been experiencing and what you hope to achieve. There is no rush, and you do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. By the end of your visit, you will have a clear picture of where you stand and a personalized treatment plan, which may include [medication management](/services/medication-management), [TMS therapy](/services/tms-therapy), [ketamine therapy](/services/ketamine-therapy), or [telehealth](/services/telehealth) follow-ups. Be Prepared ## What to Bring to Your First Visit Having these items ready helps your practitioner make the most of your time together. ### Insurance Card and Photo ID Bring your current insurance card and a government-issued photo ID. ### Current Medication List Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements with dosages. ### Prior Medical Records If available, bring records from previous psychiatrists, therapists, or primary care providers. ### Family Medical History Note any mental health conditions in your immediate family, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance use. ### Symptom Notes Write down what you have been experiencing, when symptoms started, and what prompted you to seek care. ### Your Questions Bring any questions about your condition, treatment options, medications, or what to expect going forward. Insurance & Coverage ## Most Major Plans Accepted We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance. +6 more [Verify Your Coverage](/insurance) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more Flexible Care ## Options That Fit Your Life CARMAhealth offers in-person appointments at our Central Austin and Dripping Springs locations in Texas, as well as Coral Springs, Florida. If getting to the office is a barrier, [telehealth visits](/services/telehealth) are available for patients in Texas and Florida. After your first visit, you can manage prescriptions, message your practitioner, and schedule follow-ups through the [CARMAhealth Patient Portal](https://health.healow.com/carma). Follow-up appointments are typically 15 to 30 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video. Your mental health records are protected under [HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/mental-health/index.html), with additional safeguards for psychotherapy notes. Under the [Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/mental-health-parity), your insurance plan is required to cover mental health services at the same level as medical and surgical care. Take the First Step ## Start Feeling Like Yourself Again Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen. [Book an Appointment](tel:+15122124670) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available