Millions of people in the United States live with mental health disorders. Living with a mental health condition can significantly disrupt a person’s functioning. It can negatively impact their emotional well-being, relationships, and more.
Mental health conditions can improve when people get proper treatment. Recognizing the symptoms of a mental health condition and seeking treatment quickly can help you manage its symptoms.
A psychiatric evaluation can help your medical and mental health professionals create the most effective treatment plans. This article will outline the purpose of a psychological assessment and where to find one. You will learn:
- What to expect during a mental health evaluation
- The goals of a psychological evaluation
- An overview of mental health treatment programs
- How to determine if you need a mental health assessment
- Where to find a psych evaluation in Florida
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health issues, you are not alone. Find compassionate, effective mental health care at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Psych Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a type of screening. The goal of a psych eval is to provide an accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions.
A psychiatric evaluation can identify bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It can identify other issues, including medical conditions, that may affect how treatment providers will treat a mental illness.
Several medical and mental health practitioners can perform a mental health assessment. They include:
- Primary care doctors
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
A psychiatric evaluation can determine which treatment options are most likely to have positive outcomes.
What is the Goal of a Mental Health Evaluation?
Research shows that over half of all people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. Some mental health conditions are short-term, and some are lifelong. Managing a mental health condition requires individualized, compassionate treatment.
A psych evaluation allows mental health and medical practitioners to identify the underlying roots of a person’s symptoms. This type of assessment includes a clinical interview, testing cognitive abilities, a personal and family history of mental illness, and other types of testing. It can help a person’s treatment team determine which level of care and types of treatments are most likely to be effective.
When a practitioner performs a psych evaluation, they are attempting to make an accurate diagnosis of a mental health condition. They also aim to learn about each person as a whole so that they can identify other issues that may cause mental health symptoms.
A psychiatric assessment provides a comprehensive picture of each person’s symptoms, overall physical health, and strengths. It is a critical tool in helping people receive the tailored treatment they need to manage mental health conditions.
What to Expect During a Mental Health Assessment
A psych evaluation consists of several assessments. Here is an overview of what to expect during a psychiatric evaluation.
Physical exam
In some cases, physical conditions can affect your mental and emotional health. Your practitioner may perform a physical exam to identify any physical conditions contributing to your symptoms.
Lab testing
Your psychiatric assessment may include urine testing, bloodwork, and other tests. These types of testing can help practitioners understand your physical health more completely. This can lead to more accurate diagnosis and better treatment.
Personal history
Your practitioner may inquire about your relationships, work, stressors, daily habits, and other relevant topics. This information will give your treatment team a broader picture of your health, environment, strengths, and needs.
Cognitive testing
Cognitive testing evaluates memory, focus, reasoning, and more. This type of testing can help your treatment team understand how you think and process information.
Mental health history
A psych evaluation will include a complete mental health history, including the onset of symptoms, severity, family history of mental illness, and more. Your treatment team will use this information to provide an accurate diagnosis and track the course your condition is taking.
You may obtain a mental health evaluation from your doctor, a mental health center, and other settings. Contact the Agape Behavioral Healthcare specialists to learn more about getting a psych evaluation.
Do I Need a Psych Evaluation?
New or worsening mental health symptoms may indicate you require a psychiatric assessment. Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Changes in appetite, mood, or sleep
- Increased isolation
- Personality changes
- Substance abuse
- Poor concentration or focus
- Memory issues
- Feeling numb or detached much of the time
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
- Physical symptoms like pain or increased sensitivity without a clear cause
- Thoughts of dying, self-harm, or suicide
Getting treatment as soon as you notice symptoms can help you get the treatment you need to manage them. Getting a psych evaluation is the first step toward getting effective, comprehensive care.
Get a Psych Evaluation in Florida
Agape Behavioral Healthcare offers psychiatric evaluations and comprehensive mental health treatment programs. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Harvard Medical School: Half of the World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder
