How Soon Can You Be Seen
If you're ready to start treatment, waiting months for a first appointment is its own barrier. At Houston Mind & Brain, new patient evaluations are typically available the same week you call — occasionally the same day, depending on scheduling.
Below is what the process actually looks like, so you know what to expect before you call.
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7), or go to your nearest emergency room. Houston Mind & Brain is an outpatient clinic open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, and is not an emergency or crisis facility.
1
Call us.
Our team schedules your evaluation right on that call, verifies your insurance benefits, and sends you a written cost estimate ahead of your visit — so there are no surprises when you arrive. Evaluations are scheduled with the next available provider on our team — in most cases that means the same week you call.
2
Initial evaluation.
Your evaluation covers your full clinical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals, and ends with a personalized treatment plan — so you leave with a clear next step, not just a diagnosis.
3
Treatment begins.
For medication management and therapy, treatment can often start the same day as your evaluation. More involved options like TMS or Spravato typically take a bit longer, since insurance prior authorization has to clear first — usually within one to two weeks of your evaluation.
Why Some Treatments Start Faster Than Others
Medication & Therapy
Medication management and therapy can typically begin right after your evaluation — no additional authorization required.
TMS
TMS often requires insurance prior authorization, which we handle on your behalf — this typically adds some time before your first session.
Ketamine & KAP
Timing depends on your specific protocol and screening, which we'll walk you through during your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Most patients don't need a referral to schedule with us. Some HMO plans do require one — if yours does, we'll let you know when we verify your insurance, so it's one less thing you have to figure out yourself.
I'm anxious and don't want to wait — can I be seen sooner?
Many people reach out feeling like they need help now, even if it's not a crisis. We hear that, and same-day slots do open up sometimes from cancellations — call (832) 699-7922 and ask what's available today. Otherwise, same-week is often available. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes some services, including medication management and psychotherapy, can be delivered via secure telehealth. In-clinic treatments like TMS and Spravato require in-person visits.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and can assist with verifying your coverage to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can I switch to you if I'm already seeing another psychiatrist?
Yes. Bring what you know about your current treatment and we'll build from there rather than starting over.
