How to prep for your psychiatry appointment.
We handle the administrative hardware up front so we don’t waste clinical time on paperwork. Four phases. About 10 minutes to set up.
Dr Al-Katib walks through the intake protocol (60 seconds).
The Setup
Download Spruce
We don’t do phone tag. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant app called Spruce. This is your direct command center to text Dr Al-Katib and the clinical leads.
On phone: Scan the QR code with your camera to get the install link.
On desktop: Tap the link below and choose your platform.
spruce.care/psychiatryinmotion →The Patient Portal
Required at least 24 hours before your appointment:
- Upload your photo ID
- Upload your insurance card (front + back)
- Sign all consent forms
- Complete the medical history intake
If we have to do this in session, we lose the clinical time we’d rather spend on you.
Access The Portal →The Money Stuff
Using insurance?
We are honest about how each carrier works:
Our intake team verifies your benefits as part of onboarding. You’ll get your exact out-of-pocket cost before your first visit.
Out-of-Network & private pay
Prefer to keep it simple or off the record? Many patients pay directly for fast access and tighter privacy. See direct rates →
High deductible? We accept CareCredit (0% APR for 6–24 months) so you can spread cost while waiting on insurance reimbursement.
Apply for CareCredit →Have out-of-network benefits? Your insurance may reimburse a large share of our private fee. Our interactive calculator runs the math, gives you a personalized phone script, and includes the “Gap Exception” hack most patients don’t know exists.
Launch the OON Calculator →The Arrival
134 Broadway, Floor 4
Brooklyn, NY 11249. Williamsburg, between Bedford and Berry. Two blocks from the Bedford L stop.
The morning of your appointment, you’ll get a secure door code via Spruce. Grab a coffee on Bedford if you’re early.
Please arrive 5 minutes early. If you are 15+ minutes late, we will have to reschedule.
What to expect in your first visit
Duration: 60–90 minutes. New-patient intake. We are not rushed.
What Dr Al-Katib will ask:
- Your current symptoms and how long they’ve been going on
- Childhood history (ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD all start before adulthood)
- Past medications and what worked / what didn’t
- Sleep, exercise, nutrition, alcohol, caffeine, screen time
- Your goals — not just symptom relief but what life looks like once we figure this out
What to bring:
- A list of current medications with dosages
- Any past psychiatric records, if you have them (not required)
- Your photo ID and insurance card (also upload these to the portal in advance)
- Questions you want answered
What happens after: A working clinical impression, a discussion of what your data tells us, and a treatment plan. Sometimes that’s medication, sometimes it isn’t. We follow up via Spruce within 24 hours with a written summary.
Who you’ll meet
The Membership
From symptom relief to life optimization
Once your symptoms stabilize and you understand your patterns, we move into the part most psychiatrists skip: optimization. Sleep, nutrition, exercise, emotional regulation, attention training. The basics, taken seriously.
Follow-up cadence depends on how you’re doing. Some patients see us monthly. Some see us quarterly. Some patients work primarily with our clinical leads (Rebecca, Sandra) with Dr Al-Katib in the loop. Whatever fits.
If something comes up
Cancellation policy
We hold a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancel or reschedule via Spruce more than 24 hours before your appointment and there’s no fee. Inside 24 hours, the full visit fee applies. (Real emergencies are real — tell us via Spruce, we work it out.)
After-hours and emergencies
Spruce is monitored during business hours (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 11am–3pm). Routine messages get responses within the same business day or next morning.
If you are in a mental-health crisis: call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not wait for us via Spruce in an active crisis.
Who to contact for what
- Clinical questions (med refills, side effects, symptom changes) — Spruce, every time.
- Booking, intake, scheduling — Leann at hello@psychiatryinmotion.com
- Billing, insurance, statements — Bianca at hello@psychiatryinmotion.com
- Phone (general) — (646) 347-6704
Common questions
Click any question to expand.