If you are new to mental health treatment or seeking help for a specific issue, you may be asked to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation is an essential part of the treatment process, as it helps mental health professionals to gather information about your symptoms, medical history, and overall mental health, as well as to develop a personalized treatment plan. Getting an overview of what to expect in a psychiatric evaluation, what happens during the process, and some common psychiatric evaluation questions can help you prepare.
Contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544 to schedule a psychiatric evaluation or learn more about our services, including adolescent and teen programs, aftercare, LGBTQ-friendly, and nutrition education and counseling. We’re here to help you achieve optimal mental health and wellness.
What to Expect in a Psychiatric Evaluation
Before the evaluation, you may be asked to complete forms that gather general information about yourself, including your medical history, current medications, and symptoms. What happens in a psych evaluation? The evaluation itself typically takes about an hour to complete and may include one or more of the following steps:
- A mental status examination – This physical examination is similar to a medical one. It assesses mood, behavior, cognitive functioning, thought processes, and neurological function.
- History-taking – The provider will ask you about your medical and psychiatric history, including questions about your current symptoms’ onset, intensity, frequency, and duration, as well as any traumatic events you may have experienced.
- Diagnostic interview – The provider will gather information to help them diagnose and categorize your mental health symptoms according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The provider may ask about any recent suicidal thoughts, history of self-harm, current substance abuse, or other risky behavior.
Psychiatric Evaluation Questions
Here are some of the questions that you may be asked during a psychiatric evaluation:
- What brings you here today?
- What are your current symptoms, including how long have they been present?
- What is your medical history, including current medications and medical conditions?
- What is your psychiatric history, including any previous psychiatric diagnoses or treatment?
- What is your family history of mental illness?
- Are you currently experiencing any thoughts of harming yourself or others?
Your provider may also ask if you are taking any medications, supplements, or illegal drugs. Additionally, they may inquire about any traumatic experiences or a history of abuse or neglect.
What Happens in a Psych Evaluation
Once the psychiatric evaluation is complete, the provider will develop a treatment plan. This plan may include various options such as therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and lifestyle changes. The provider will also discuss the diagnosis with you, treatment options, and what to expect during treatment. After the evaluation, you may also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor symptoms’ progress.
How Insight Into Action Therapy Can Help
At Insight Into Action Therapy, we strive to provide compassionate and individualized care to our clients. Our team of therapists and healthcare professionals specializes in treating substance abuse, mental health, and medication management issues. We offer a range of programs and services, including neurofeedback, process addiction treatment, and trauma therapy. We have experience treating various conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health treatment, please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Schedule a Psychiatric Evaluation Today at Insight Into Action Therapy
The purpose of a psychiatric evaluation is to gather information, assess our clients’ mental health symptoms, and develop an effective treatment plan. Patients should remember that seeking help for mental health issues should be considered a positive step towards healing and that their provider is there to support them and answer any questions they may have.
If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health treatment, don’t hesitate to seek professional help by calling Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544 today. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
