Purpose
This checklist helps you prepare for your first SetMind appointment.
SetMind is the trading name of SetMind Pty Ltd, an adult telepsychiatry service for eligible patients across Australia. Your first appointment is designed to help your psychiatrist understand your concerns, history, goals, risks, and treatment options.
Please complete this checklist before your appointment where possible.
1. Confirm your appointment details
Before your appointment, please check:
- Your appointment date and time
- Your telehealth link
- Your payment status
- Whether your referral has been received
- Whether you have uploaded requested documents
- That your phone number and email address are correct
- That you have a private, quiet place for the appointment
For telehealth appointments, please make sure your device, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working before the appointment starts.
2. Prepare your main concerns
Please write down the main reasons you are seeking help.
You may want to include:
- What symptoms or difficulties you are experiencing
- How long they have been present
- Whether they are getting better, worse, or changing
- What made you seek help now
- What you are hoping to get from treatment
Examples:
- "I am struggling with concentration and follow-through."
- "My anxiety has not improved with first-line treatment."
- "I feel burnt out and unable to recover."
- "I want diagnostic clarification."
- "I want a medication review."
- "I want a plan I can continue with my GP."
3. Prepare a short mental health history
Please prepare a brief summary of any history of:
- ADHD or attention difficulties
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Burnout or work stress
- Trauma or PTSD symptoms
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings or periods of unusually high energy
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Substance use concerns
- Previous psychiatric care
- Previous psychology or counselling
- Previous hospital admissions
- Previous diagnoses
Dot points are fine. You do not need to write a long story.
4. Prepare your medical history
Your psychiatrist may ask about your physical health because medical conditions can affect symptoms, diagnosis, medication safety, and treatment options.
Please note any history of:
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or dizziness
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Thyroid problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnoea
- Neurological conditions
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans for pregnancy
- Medication allergies or serious medication reactions
If stimulant medication may be considered, your psychiatrist may require recent blood pressure, pulse, blood tests, ECG, or medical clearance depending on your situation.
5. List current medications and supplements
Please prepare a list of anything you currently take, including:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Supplements
- Herbal products
- Hormonal treatments
- Sleep aids
- Pain medications
- Stimulants, sedatives, or controlled medicines
- Medicinal cannabis, if applicable
For each item, include:
- Name
- Dose
- How often you take it
- How long you have taken it
- Whether it helps
- Any side effects
6. List previous psychiatric medications
If you have previously taken medication for ADHD, mood, anxiety, sleep, or related symptoms, please list:
- Medication name
- Approximate dates used
- Dose, if known
- Why it was started
- Whether it helped
- Side effects
- Why it was stopped
It is okay if you do not remember every detail.
7. Prepare risk and safety information
Your psychiatrist may ask about safety so they can provide appropriate care.
Please be ready to discuss any history of:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of harming others
- Psychiatric hospital admission
- Crisis team involvement
- Severe impulsivity
- Aggression or violence
- Significant substance use
- Recent major deterioration
SetMind is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to stay safe, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.
8. Bring or upload relevant documents
If available, please upload or bring:
- GP referral
- Previous psychiatric reports
- Psychological assessment reports
- ADHD assessment reports
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Current medication list
- Previous medication history
- Blood test results
- ECG results
- Blood pressure and pulse readings
- Sleep study results
- School reports or academic reports, if relevant
- Letters from other clinicians
- Current treatment plans
Complete information helps SetMind triage referrals appropriately and provide the right appointment the first time.
9. Prepare lifestyle information
Your psychiatrist may ask about:
- Sleep pattern
- Work or study routine
- Exercise
- Diet and appetite
- Caffeine intake
- Alcohol use
- Nicotine or vaping
- Cannabis or other substances
- Social support
- Relationship stress
- Financial stress
- Workload
- Major life events
These factors can affect symptoms and treatment planning.
10. Think about your goals
Please consider what improvement would look like for you.
Examples:
- "I want to understand whether I have ADHD."
- "I want to reduce anxiety and function better at work."
- "I want a medication review."
- "I want help with burnout and return-to-work planning."
- "I want a clear treatment plan for my GP."
- "I want to understand whether my symptoms are ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, or something else."
11. Prepare questions for your psychiatrist
You may want to ask:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do I meet criteria for a diagnosis?
- Could there be more than one issue?
- What treatment options are available?
- Is medication appropriate?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- What screening or monitoring is required?
- Will my GP be involved?
- What happens after the appointment?
- What follow-up is recommended?
12. Important notes
Your first appointment is a clinical assessment. It does not guarantee:
- A diagnosis
- A prescription
- Stimulant medication
- Antidepressant medication
- A specific treatment plan
- Ongoing prescribing
- A report for legal, NDIS, DVA, forensic, insurance, or employment purposes
Medication is not usually prescribed at the initial assessment. Treatment decisions depend on clinical suitability, safety, medical screening, prescribing rules, and psychiatrist discretion.