A first psychiatric evaluation is a structured conversation, usually about 60 minutes, in which a psychiatrist learns your history and symptoms to reach an accurate diagnosis and discuss options. Expect questions about your concerns, medical and mental health history, medications, sleep, and goals. Nothing is decided without you, and an evaluation does not commit you to medication.
$400 initial evaluation / $250 follow-up · adults 18+ · private pay / out-of-network telepsychiatry across Massachusetts.
A psychiatric evaluation is the first comprehensive appointment with a psychiatrist. Its purpose is to understand what you’re experiencing, arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and build a plan together. It’s a conversation — not a test you can pass or fail.
At Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health the evaluation is done by secure video, so you can attend from a private, comfortable space anywhere in Massachusetts. It typically lasts around 60 minutes, which gives Dr. Lee time to understand the full picture rather than rushing.
Plan for roughly 60 minutes. That length is intentional: a thorough history — your symptoms, timeline, medical background, and goals — leads to a more accurate diagnosis and a better plan than a quick, surface-level visit. Follow-up appointments are shorter, usually around 25 minutes.
Every evaluation is a bit different, but most cover similar ground. Dr. Lee will typically ask about:
Answering openly helps, but you’re never obligated to share more than you’re comfortable with. It’s okay to say you’d rather not answer something.
A little preparation makes the visit smoother. Before your appointment, it helps to:
See our step-by-step guide to how telehealth psychiatry works for the full setup.
| Initial evaluation | Follow-up visit | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~60 minutes | ~25 minutes |
| Focus | Full history, diagnosis, and plan | Progress, adjustments, and questions |
| What’s covered | Symptoms, history, medications, goals | How you’re doing, side effects, next steps |
| Format | Secure video | Secure video |
| Fee | $400 | $250 |
Not necessarily. The first visit is about understanding your situation and reaching a diagnosis. Whether medication is part of the plan is a decision you and the psychiatrist make together — sometimes at the first visit, sometimes after more information.
If medication is recommended, Dr. Lee will explain the options, expected benefits, and possible side effects so you can make an informed choice. This is general education, not medical advice — decisions about medication belong with your prescribing clinician. You can learn more about the medication-management approach, including how conditions like anxiety and depression are treated.
By the end of the visit you’ll usually have a working diagnosis, a plan, and clear next steps. If medication is started, you’ll discuss how to take it and when to follow up. If therapy would help, Dr. Lee can refer you to a qualified therapist and coordinate care — LVBH focuses on medication management and refers out for talk therapy.
Follow-up visits track how you’re doing, adjust the plan as needed, and give you a place to ask questions along the way.
Completely. Many people feel anxious before a first evaluation, especially over video. Remember that the goal is to help, not to judge — there are no wrong answers, and you set the pace. Booking a free 15-minute consult first is an easy, low-pressure way to meet Dr. Lee and get a feel for the process before your full evaluation.
Dr. Ronald Lee is a board-certified adult psychiatrist, Harvard-trained in residency (PGY-2 through PGY-4). He personally conducts every evaluation and manages ongoing care by secure telehealth for adults (18+) located in Massachusetts.
LVBH is private pay / out-of-network: $400 for the initial evaluation and $250 per follow-up, with superbills provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement. PPO and POS plans commonly reimburse part of out-of-network care after your out-of-network deductible; EPO and HMO plans usually do not cover out-of-network — verify with your plan. Reimbursement varies and is not guaranteed. See Fees & Insurance.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ronald Lee, MD — board-certified psychiatrist, Harvard-trained in residency. Last reviewed: July 5, 2026.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.
About 60 minutes. The extra time lets the psychiatrist take a thorough history and reach an accurate diagnosis. Follow-up visits are shorter, usually around 25 minutes.
A short list of your symptoms and concerns, your current medications and doses (including supplements), notes on past treatments, and any questions. Also set up a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.
Not necessarily. The first visit focuses on understanding your history and reaching a diagnosis. Whether medication is part of the plan is decided together, sometimes at the first visit and sometimes after more information.
Yes. A secure video evaluation covers the same comprehensive history and discussion as an in-office visit, from a private space of your choosing. It’s a well-established way to deliver psychiatric care to adults in Massachusetts.
No referral is required to book with LVBH. Bringing a list of current medications and any relevant history is helpful but not mandatory — you can share what you have.
You can book a free 15-minute consult before committing to a full evaluation. It’s a low-pressure way to meet Dr. Lee, ask questions, and see if LVBH is the right fit.
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One Boston Place, 201 Washington St. Suite 2679, Boston, MA 02108
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