A first visit built around listening.
A psychiatric evaluation is an unhurried conversation about what you are experiencing, what you have already tried, and what you want to feel like again. It is the foundation for an accurate diagnosis and a plan that actually fits your life.
Board-certified psychiatrist · Adults · New patients welcome
Three things we want to get right before anything else.
Understand the whole picture
Symptoms, history, health, sleep, stressors and goals — considered together rather than one at a time.
Name it accurately
A diagnosis is only useful if it is right. Where the picture is unclear, we say so and keep looking.
Agree on the next step
You should leave knowing what is being recommended, why, and what happens if it does not work.
Your first visit, step by step
Every practice does this differently. Here is how it goes here.
You reach out
You call or send a request. Our team follows up to talk through scheduling and what to expect before you arrive.
The evaluation
A detailed conversation about your current symptoms, how long they have been present, your psychiatric and medical history, and what previous treatment has been like.
A plan you understand
Dr. Abbas explains what he sees and why, in plain language, and proposes a plan built around your situation — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Ongoing adjustment
Follow-up visits track what is working. Anything that is not working gets revisited rather than repeated.
What makes the first visit more useful
- A list of medications you take now, including doses
- Medications you have tried before and how they went
- Names of other clinicians involved in your care
- Any recent labs or records you already have
- Notes on what you want to be different
Questions you are welcome to ask
- What do you think is going on, and how sure are you?
- What are my options besides medication?
- How long before we know if this is working?
- What happens if it does not work?
- What side effects should I watch for?
Before you book
Requirements vary by insurance plan. If you are unsure, call the office at (732) 426-7030 and our team can help you check before you schedule.
The initial evaluation is longer than a routine follow-up because it covers your full history. Our team will tell you the scheduled length when you book.
Not automatically. Medication is one option among several, and it is only recommended after the evaluation and a conversation about the trade-offs.
Many patients come for a second, comprehensive look at an existing diagnosis — particularly when treatment has not worked as hoped. A fresh evaluation is often where that starts.
Yes. Your care is protected health information and is handled in line with HIPAA requirements.
You may also want to explore
Medication Management
Ongoing oversight of psychiatric medication, with attention to effect and side effects.
Depression Treatment
Individualized care, including depression that has not responded to previous treatment.
Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Evaluation and treatment for anxiety, adjustment and mood disorders.
Start with a conversation.
An evaluation is the step that makes everything after it more precise.