Patient Resources
Welcome to Fleischer Psychiatry
We understand that seeking mental health care can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time seeing a psychiatrist. Our goal is to make the process as clear, thoughtful, and comfortable as possible.
This page includes everything you need to prepare for your first appointment, including forms, office policies, what to expect, and important information about our evaluation process. Please review this information carefully before your visit.
Preparation
Before Your First Appointment
To help us provide the best care possible, please complete the following before your first visit:
Complete Your New Patient Forms
Please print and complete all required new patient paperwork prior to your appointment.
Download New Patient Forms →Review and Sign the Initial Appointment Cancellation Policy
Please review and sign our cancellation policy before your first visit.
Download Cancellation Policy →Medical Records (If Applicable)
If you would like to send records to our office or request that our office send records elsewhere, please complete the Release of Information form. This can be especially helpful if you have seen another psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider for mental health treatment.
Download Record Release Form →Our Process
Our New Patient Evaluation Process
At Fleischer Psychiatry, new patient evaluations are intentionally completed in two appointments. This allows us to provide more thoughtful, personalized, and medically responsible care.
Mental health treatment is complex, and understanding the full picture takes time. Rather than rushing through your history or starting treatment too quickly, our two-step process gives your provider the opportunity to fully evaluate your symptoms, review your history, and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
Visit 1
Initial Intake Appointment
Your first appointment is focused on gathering information. During this visit, you will meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to discuss:
- Your current symptoms
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Previous medications or treatment
- Family history
- Life stressors and personal background
This appointment is designed to build a complete understanding of your concerns. In most cases, treatment or medication is not started during this first visit.
Visit 2
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Between your first and second appointment, your provider takes time to carefully review your history, consider your symptoms, review any requested lab work, and formulate a diagnosis.
At your second appointment, your provider will:
- Review findings from your intake
- Discuss diagnosis
- Present a personalized treatment plan
- Review medication options if appropriate
- Answer any questions about next steps
This process helps ensure treatment decisions are thoughtful, safe, and individualized.
Why We Use a Two-Step Evaluation Process
Thoroughness
Mental health evaluations involve gathering a significant amount of nuanced information. Splitting the process into two visits allows both you and your provider the time needed to fully understand your concerns without feeling rushed.
Reflection and Safety
This process allows your provider time to consider how your symptoms, medical history, and current medications may interact before making treatment recommendations or prescribing medication. This careful approach helps improve safety and treatment accuracy.
Billing
Insurance and Billing Information
Because your initial evaluation is completed over two visits, your insurance is typically billed for two separate evaluation appointments.
This means:
- Insurance may process two separate claims
- You may be responsible for two copays, deductibles, or coinsurance amounts depending on your plan
If you have questions about your benefits, we encourage you to contact your insurance carrier before your first appointment.
Checklist
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Please bring the following. Bringing complete information helps us provide the most accurate evaluation possible.
- Completed new patient paperwork
- Insurance card
- Photo ID
- Current medication list
- Referral (if required by insurance)
- Relevant medical records or prior psychiatric records
Location
Office Location and Directions
Fleischer Psychiatry is conveniently located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, with easy access from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 309, and Bethlehem Pike. Our office serves patients throughout Montgomery County, Northeast Philadelphia, and surrounding communities.
Office Address
Scott A. Fleischer, M.D., P.C.
455 Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 260
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Finding Our Office
If you are coming from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, follow Pennsylvania Avenue past the BMW dealership on your left. Just past the car wash on your right, you will see our building marked with a blue sign displaying 455.
Turn right into the parking lot. Our office is located on the second floor in Suite 260.
Parking Information
Free parking is available in the lot directly in front of the building. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your first appointment to allow time for parking, check-in, and paperwork review.
Questions Before Your Visit?
If you have questions about patient forms, insurance, directions, parking, or how to prepare for your appointment, our staff is happy to help. Whether you are scheduling your first visit, completing paperwork, or simply want to better understand what to expect, we are here to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible.
Get Started
Ready to take the first step?
We are here to help you navigate the process from your very first call through your ongoing care.