Your evaluation is an important step. Now it’s time to focus on your care and the path ahead.
Completing your evaluation is a significant step toward taking care of your mental health. Before you leave your appointment, make sure you understand your provider’s recommendations and what your next steps will be. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Your provider is there to help you understand your care and support your recovery.
Your Next Steps
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you understand your provider’s recommendations. These may include counseling, follow-up appointments, medication, lifestyle changes, or additional evaluations. If anything is unclear, ask your provider to explain it in a way that you understand.
If follow-up appointments are recommended, schedule them as soon as possible. Ongoing care is often an important part of recovery. If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, contact the clinic to reschedule rather than skipping your care.
If your provider prescribes medication, ask how and when to take it, what side effects to watch for, and when you should expect it to begin working. Never stop taking medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Healing doesn’t have to happen alone. Consider reaching out to trusted family members, friends, fellow service members, chaplains, or other supportive individuals. Having people you trust can make a meaningful difference during your recovery.
If you notice your symptoms worsening or you begin having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, seek help immediately. Contact your healthcare provider, notify someone you trust, call or text 988 (if you’re in the United States), or go to the nearest emergency department. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.
Recovery is a journey, and it rarely happens overnight.
Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay. Continue following your treatment plan, ask for help when you need it, and remember that taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength—not weakness.
Every step you take toward healing matters.
Brandon believed in treating others with compassion and dignity. As you continue your journey, remember to extend that same compassion to yourself. Healing takes time, and every step forward is worth celebrating.
☐ I understand my treatment plan.
☐ I know when my next appointment is scheduled.
☐ I know who to contact if I have questions.
☐ I understand any medications that were prescribed.
☐ I know what to do if my symptoms get worse.
☐ I know where to find additional support if I need it.
☐ I have saved the Brandon Caserta Foundation as a resource if I need additional guidance.
We believe in you.
We know taking this step wasn’t easy.
By asking for help and completing your evaluation, you’ve shown courage and a commitment to your well-being.
Keep taking things one step at a time.
You matter. Your life matters. And there is hope.