What Happens During a Psych Evaluation?

Session with therapist

If you or your loved one is thinking about getting a psychological evaluation or are preparing to receive one, it’s important to know how the process works first. While all psych assessments may be different depending on the person who receives them, there are some general things you should know before scheduling an appointment or walking into a session for the first time.

Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when you undergo a psych evaluation.

What Is A Psychological Evaluation?

A psychological evaluation, also sometimes referred to as a mental health evaluation or psychological assessment, is used to determine if someone has a specific mental health disorder or physical health condition.

It can be used to diagnose anxiety disorders, ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), eating disorders, depression, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), bipolar disorder, dementia, Alzheimer’s, head trauma, intellectual disabilities, personality disorders, schizophrenia, stroke, substance abuse disorders, and more.

If the psychiatrist, psychologist, or doctor who administers a psychological evaluation confirms that their patient has a certain physical or mental health disorder, they can then use the assessment to find out how serious the condition is. This type of assessment is essential to help psychiatrists identify a disorder, determine how severe it is, and get the patient the best type of treatment for them.

How A Psych Evaluation Works

There are three different types of psychological evaluations: emergency evaluations, general evaluations, and clinical evaluations. No matter what the type, a psychological evaluation will always involve several screenings and assessments. Different types of assessments may include physical exams, verbal and written questionnaires, lab tests, and medical evaluations, cognitive evaluations.

The results from these tests will give psychiatrists and doctors insight about a patient’s personal history, personality, physical symptoms, mental health history, thoughts & feelings, coping styles, cognitive development, and more. If the specialist reaches a diagnosis once a psychological evaluation is complete, they will then move forward with creating a treatment plan for their patient.

Seeking Out A Psych Evaluation

Psych evaluations are most beneficial for individuals who have issues in school or work, display changes in mood or behavior, experience memory loss, or use any substances in excess. Whether someone needs or wants a psychological evaluation is ultimately up to them. However, it is essential for individuals who potentially have certain physical or mental health disorders to receive one of these assessments in order to receive proper treatment for their condition.

If you think that a psychological assessment might be a good choice for you or a loved one, see your doctor or psychiatrist first to find out if they think that is the best next step. Psychological assessments can be administered by a family doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist and are usually done in a medical facility or mental health treatment center. After a specialist makes a diagnosis, treatment for the specific condition can begin. Treatment will usually vary depending on the condition, but usually includes a combination of prescription medication and therapy.

To learn more about psychological evaluations, contact our team of mental health treatment representatives by giving us a call at 866-552-3758 or emailing contact@eliumhealth.com.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-making-diagnosis

https://www.verywellmind.com/get-your-teen-a-psychological-evaluation-2610450  https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psychiatry-evaluation-5213871

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