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What is a psychiatric evaluation?
Mental health providers do psychiatric evaluations to learn about your mental, emotional, and behavioral health and obtain the information they need to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
The initial psychiatric evaluation doesn't usually include cognitive testing to explore problems with memory, attention, and other brain processes. If your provider needs that information, they schedule another appointment.
When would I need a psychiatric evaluation?
Your mental health provider must complete a psych eval for the same reason your primary care doctor does a physical exam and blood work: To determine how your symptoms affect your daily life and accurately diagnose the reason for your challenges.
Nearly everyone seeking mental health care, whether for anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, undergoes a psychiatric evaluation. However, you may need help for reasons that don’t require a complete assessment.
For example, you may want to talk with a counselor to get guidance for navigating a difficult life decision. Yet, you don’t have issues that often accompany such choices, like depression or overwhelming anxiety.
What should I expect during a psychiatric evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a conversation between you and your Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center provider. They review your medical history, including any previous mental health care you received, and explore lifestyle habits and interactions affecting your well-being.
The team practices holistic mental health care, which means they find all the sources of your mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. That could mean learning about struggles at home, work, or school, problems in your social life, eating an unhealthy diet, or abusing alcohol or drugs.
Your provider may ask you to complete a simple questionnaire about emotions and behaviors, how often they occur, and their severity. Sometimes, they may request permission to ask teachers, caregivers, and other family members to complete a questionnaire, especially when evaluating children.
Do I need to prepare for a psychiatric evaluation?
The only thing you need to do is reach out for help and show up for your evaluation. You don’t need to prepare for the assessment.
Your provider may ask you to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. But if you can’t finish it, don’t let that stop you from getting mental health care.
Take the first step toward mental well-being today. Call Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center or book a psychiatric evaluation online.