Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a type of assessment conducted to provide insight into an individual’s mental health.
Is Treatment Available In My State?What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s mental and emotional health. It’s designed to help an individual’s provider better understand their symptoms, medical history, and overall functioning, so they can make informed decisions about their care.
If someone is struggling with mental health issues, a psychiatric evaluation may be the first step in getting the insights and support needed to overcome mental health challenges, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and more.
For any emergency situations, call 911 or 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What You Can Expect from a General Psychiatric Evaluation at LifeStance
At LifeStance, we offer general psychiatric evaluations to help determine whether you may be experiencing a mental health condition that would benefit from psychiatric care. This evaluation is often the first step in building a personalized treatment plan that supports your mental and emotional well-being.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
The process typically includes the following steps:
- Initial Interview
A psychiatric clinician will meet with you to ask about your current symptoms, emotional well-being, life stressors, personal and family medical history, and any previous mental health treatment. This conversation may also include screening questionnaires about your symptoms. - Medical Review
Your clinician may review your medical history and, when appropriate, recommend basic medical testing to rule out physical health conditions that could be affecting your mental health. This may include:- Blood work
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Other lab tests or imaging studies as needed
- Psychological Testing
In some cases, psychological tests may be used to provide additional insight into your symptoms and guide diagnosis or treatment planning. - Diagnosis
If a mental health condition is identified, your clinician will explain the diagnosis and how it relates to your current experiences. - Treatment Planning
Based on your needs and goals, your clinician will recommend a tailored plan of care. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. - Ongoing Follow-Up
Psychiatric care doesn’t stop after the first visit. You’ll work with your clinician to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
LifeStance Health is a national leader in mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness with multiple locations in 0 states. Services vary by location.
Find a provider near you:
Where Are Evaluations Performed?
All initial general psychiatric evaluations at LifeStance are conducted in outpatient settings, either in-person or via secure virtual visits. We do not provide emergency, forensic, or inpatient evaluations.
Taking the First Step
If you or someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, a psychiatric evaluation can be a helpful starting point. Our compassionate team is here to listen, assess, and guide you toward the support you need to help you feel better and move forward.
References
Psychiatric Evaluation FAQ
Psychiatric evaluations are used to understand, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and more. They can also help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to mental health symptoms, such as trauma or abuse.
A mental health professional will typically ask about medical history, personal history, symptoms, and any medications being taken. The evaluation may include observation of an individual’s appearance or behavior to assess their current mental state, cognitive functioning, and emotional stability.
If needed, a psychiatric clinician may offer treatment options that could include therapy, medication, or both.
Some common reasons to consider a psychiatric evaluation include:
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Relationship or family problems
- Work or school-related issues
If you or someone you know has a mental health issue or concern, find a psychiatrist to get an evaluation along with insights, help, and support needed to improve your mental health.
Before seeking a psychiatric evaluation for a family member, consider having an honest conversation with them about your concerns. Explain why you think a psychiatric evaluation might be helpful and ask if they are open to the idea. Be supportive and non-judgmental and listen to their thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, their willingness to engage in the evaluation is essential.
LifeStance can help you find the right mental health professional to conduct the appropriate psychiatric evaluation.
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by many health insurance plans, but it’s important to confirm coverage with your insurance provider beforehand.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluations are available for children, adolescents, and adults. For younger patients, the evaluation may also involve parents or caregivers and may be tailored to the child’s developmental stage. These evaluations are typically conducted by mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and adolescents.
The terms “psychiatric assessment” and “psychiatric evaluation” are often used interchangeably and generally refer to the same process of evaluating a person’s mental health.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluations are performed by psychiatric clinicians, including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, while psychological evaluations are performed by clinical psychologists.
The primary goal of psychiatric evaluations is to diagnose mental illness(es), inform treatment planning, and monitor treatment progress. The evaluation is used to assess an individual’s mental health symptoms, medical and medication history, substance abuse history, family and social history, and treatment goals and preferences.
The primary goal of psychological testing is to provide insight into a person’s psychological functioning and cognitive functioning and inform diagnosis and treatment planning. The tests are used to assess an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, including intellectual abilities, personality traits, and coping mechanisms.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation typically involves a thorough assessment of an individual’s mental health and well-being, and may include:
- Clinical interview
- Medical history
- Psychological testing
- Social history
- Review of records
- Diagnostic assessments
- Treatment plan
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning, with a particular focus on understanding how their brain is functioning. The results can provide information for healthcare providers, educators, and other professionals.
A psychiatric evaluation usually takes from 30 to 90 minutes to perform. The time varies based on the amount of information needed.
