Preparing for Your First Appointment

Thank you for choosing us as your provider. According to the National Institute of Health, it can take time to develop a relationship with your healthcare provider. At Confidant, we want to do everything we can to help develop this relationship. It's important that you feel respected and understood when sharing confidential information about yourself. To ensure that you get the best treatment and support, we can help you to be prepared for your first appointment.

Prepare

You might have a lot of questions before starting with Confidant. What are some questions you’d like your provider to answer? It can help to make a list before your first visit.  Start preparing a couple of days before your visit to make sure you have time to think of questions you might have. Write your questions in a notebook, on your phone, or on a good ol’ fashion napkin, whatever helps you remember.  If you have a lot of questions, that’s great!  It might help to underline or star the most important ones so that you can focus on those when talking with our providers. By writing everything down in advance, you won't forget important things on the day of your appointment. We want you to get the answers to all your questions.

Ask Questions

Talking with providers can seem intimidating - we get it! Many of us have been taught that the provider has all the power and asking questions might be disrespectful or make them feel bad. A lot of us have also had bad experiences with providers when we ask questions. Our providers have been specially trained to partner with you and listen to your needs. Your voice is important. If you feel uncomfortable asking questions to a provider, try practicing before the appointment. It might seem silly, but try testing them out with another person, in the mirror, or with your pet before your visit. Asking practice questions out loud can help you feel more comfortable when you’re meeting with our provider. 

Once you're at your appointment, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your care provider is there to give you advice, guidance, and support right from the start. If any of the answers are not clear, or you have follow-up questions, it’s ok to ask your provider to explain things in a different way or to repeat something.  

If you forget to ask something during the appointment, that’s ok! We’ve all had those moments where we thought “AH!!! I can’t believe I forgot to ask about…..” You can always message us with any questions to make sure all your concerns are fully addressed. 

Bring Support

It is okay to bring along a friend or loved one who will help you feel more comfortable. It may help to have them learn about our services and how we’re helping you on your recovery journey.  To help with your care, we’re going to ask questions about your drug use and medical history so make sure you bring someone who you can be open and honest around.

Be Honest

Have an open discussion and be honest about your drug use and history so that your care provider can give you advice that really helps you and develop a well-informed treatment plan. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Conversations with your care provider at Confidant Health are confidential, which means that you can comfortably talk about your past.

Review

Getting a lot of information at one time can feel very overwhelming, and there’s no way to remember everything. It can be helpful to take notes of the main points to help follow along. At the end of a visit, many people find it helpful to review the main points or action items (order naloxone kit) to make sure you and the provider are on the same page. It can also be a way to help clarify something you may not understand (“I remember you mentioned ____, what is that for again?”) Again, our support continues after the visit, and we’ll help answer your questions or problem solve things that may come up.

Give Feedback

Our providers have a lot of talents, but reading minds isn’t one of them. You can help your partnership by telling them what you think, either during or after the visit. Did they explain something well or give you enough time to ask your questions? Tell them! Compliments never hurt, and it’s helpful for the provider to know what works for you. Was there something about the visit that you didn’t like? Tell them! We know this might be different from other providers you’ve worked with in the past, but that’s one of the things that makes ours different. All of this information helps your provider be a better partner for you.

Take Care

Know that there is no one “right thing” to do right now. You’re on your own path. Considering ways to live a healthier life —like you’re doing right now—is a huge task. We also understand that it can be difficult to make any changes, especially those as big as changing your relationship with substances. Take time to recharge and meet your needs, even if it’s just a few minutes. You’re not defined by your past substance use. Call a friend, take a walk, journal, read, watch your favorite show, the list goes on. Taking care of yourself during this time is not selfish. It’s essential.