Your New Patient Questions Answered: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Appointment

Your New Patient Questions Answered

Starting psychiatric care raises a lot of questions — especially if it's your first time. We've compiled the most common questions we hear from new patients into one place so you can walk in (or log in) feeling prepared.

How do I become a new patient at DLH Consulting?

Start by completing our New Patient Intake Packet. This is required before your first appointment can be scheduled. You can complete it:

• Online at dlhconsultant.com/new-patients
• By phone — call (774) 929-7420 and we'll send it by email, text, or mail
• In person — stop by our office at 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth to fill out a paper version
• After hours — leave a message and we'll follow up the next business day

Once we receive your completed intake packet, our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days to schedule your first appointment.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept 15 major insurance plans including MassHealth/MBHP, Medicare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brigham, Carelon, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Cigna, Fallon Health, Harvard Pilgrim, Optum, Tufts Health Plan, United Healthcare, and Wellsense. View our full insurance list.

What are your self-pay rates?

Initial psychiatric evaluation (60 min): $300. Psychiatric follow-up (20 min): $150. Therapy/counseling session (45-60 min): $175. Sliding scale fees are available for patients who qualify based on financial need — ask us when you call.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is a comprehensive 60-minute psychiatric evaluation. Your provider will review your symptoms, history, medications, family history, and treatment goals to develop a personalized care plan. You don't need to have everything figured out — just be ready to have a conversation.

Can I do my appointment via telehealth?

Yes. All providers at DLH Consulting offer telehealth appointments via secure video. Telehealth is available to patients anywhere in Massachusetts. No special software download is required — sessions run through your web browser.

Can I choose my provider?

Yes. We encourage you to browse our Providers page to learn about each practitioner and their specialties. Let us know your provider preference when you call to schedule.

What if I'm in crisis?

DLH Consulting is an outpatient practice and cannot provide emergency or crisis psychiatric services. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7). The MA Behavioral Health Help Line is available at (833) 773-2445.

Ready to get started? Complete your intake forms at dlhconsultant.com/new-patients.