Psychiatric Second Opinion
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
A second opinion, done thoroughly.
This service is designed for adults who are seeking an independent psychiatric evaluation, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite treatment, prior diagnoses or medication trials have not led to a clear path forward, or mental health concerns are complicated by medical conditions, medication interactions, or other overlapping factors.
The consultation provides a comprehensive clinical formulation and a written treatment roadmap. It is not an intake into ongoing psychiatric care or medication management at BAM Psych, and it is distinct from our general Psychiatric Evaluation & Treatment service.
The goal is to give patients (and, when relevant, their existing treatment team) a clear, well-reasoned clinical picture and path forward.
KEY DETAILS
At a glance
WHO IT IS FOR
This service may be right if...
Symptoms have persisted despite treatment
Patients who have been in treatment for some time but have not experienced meaningful improvement, and are looking for a clearer understanding of why.
Prior diagnoses feel incomplete or uncertain
Patients who have received diagnoses that do not fully account for their experience, or who have never had a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Medication history is complex
Patients who have been through multiple medication trials without sustained benefit, or who have questions about their current regimen and its rationale.
Medical and psychiatric concerns overlap
Patients whose psychiatric symptoms are complicated by medical conditions, medication interactions, or other factors — where medical history and psychiatric care need to be understood together.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A thorough consultation, focused on providing clarity and precise next steps.
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Review of prior records and treatment history
- Careful medication analysis
- Written clinical formulation and treatment roadmap
- Recommendations to support ongoing care with an existing or future treatment team
- Ongoing psychiatric care or medication management at BAM Psych
- Prescribing or medication changes as part of this consultation
- A guaranteed pathway into longitudinal treatment at BAM Psych
- Crisis or emergency support
For patients who want additional support translating the plan into ongoing care, an optional Coordination & Contingencies Package is available — including a clinician-facing implementation summary, one follow-through visit or coordination call, and a contingency plan for next steps if the first approach isn't effective. See our Second Opinion guide and FAQ for full details.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A clear process from start to finish.
Inquiry and Records
After you reach out, our team will follow up to discuss scheduling and next steps. Records are strongly recommended but not required — see our Records Prep Guide for what to submit and when.
Consultation with Dr. Bonanno
Dr. Bonanno conducts a thorough, 90-minute consultation, with attention to diagnosis, medication history, medical context, and the clinical questions you most want addressed.
Written Formulation
Within about a week, you'll receive a written clinical formulation and treatment roadmap outlining findings, clinical reasoning, and recommended next steps — a document that can be shared with an existing or future treatment team.
Looking for a clearer picture and path forward?
Request a consultation — our team will help determine whether the Psychiatric Second Opinion is the right next step.