Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Fazal Ullah, FCPS (Psychiatry) — last reviewed 2026-08-13
Considering an online psychiatric consultation but not sure how it works? Here's exactly what happens from booking to follow-up.
If you've never had a psychiatric consultation before — online or otherwise — it's natural to be unsure what to expect. Here's a clear, step-by-step look at how an online psychiatric consultation actually works, from booking to follow-up.
Step 1: Booking your consultation
You start by choosing the type of consultation that fits your situation. A First Psychiatric Consultation (45 minutes) is the right starting point if this is your first time being seen, since it allows enough time for a full clinical assessment. A Follow-up Consultation (20 minutes) is for reviewing progress or adjusting an existing treatment plan. You'll pick an available date and time that works for you.
Step 2: Before the consultation
You'll be asked for some basic details — your name, contact information, and a brief description of what's bringing you in. This isn't required to be detailed or clinical; a simple, honest description of what you've been experiencing is enough. The psychiatrist will ask more specific questions during the consultation itself.
Step 3: The consultation
At your scheduled time, you'll join a private video call from your patient dashboard — no separate app or software to install. During the consultation, expect an open conversation about your symptoms, history, and what you're hoping to get out of treatment. This is a two-way conversation, not an interrogation — you're welcome to ask questions about anything you don't understand.
Step 4: After the consultation
If a prescription is appropriate, it's issued digitally and becomes available in your patient dashboard, where you can view or print it at any time. If lab tests or further evaluation would help, that will be discussed with you directly. You'll also know whether and when a follow-up consultation is recommended.
Is online different from in-person?
For most psychiatric consultations, an online video format works just as well as an in-person visit — a psychiatric assessment relies primarily on conversation, not physical examination. What online adds is convenience: no travel, no waiting room, and the option to have the consultation from a place where you feel comfortable and able to speak openly.
If you've been putting off an online psychiatric consultation because you weren't sure what it would involve, hopefully this removes some of the uncertainty. The step you're most unsure about is usually just the first one.
No. You join directly from your patient dashboard through a private video call — there's no separate app to download.
That is completely fine. A simple, honest description of what you have been experiencing is enough for booking — the psychiatrist will ask more specific questions during the consultation itself.
For most psychiatric consultations, yes — assessment relies mainly on conversation rather than physical examination, so an online video format works just as well for most cases.
To discuss any of this with a qualified psychiatrist, you can book an online consultation with Dr. Fazal Ullah. See conditions treated · More articles