Mental health issues are common in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1 in 5 U.S. adults struggles with a mental health disorder.[1]
Whether you have depression, anxiety, or a condition like bipolar disorder, you need professional treatment. There are many different types of mental illnesses and each one must be formally diagnosed and treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
The first step in receiving help for a mental health condition is a psychiatric evaluation. A mental health professional will ask you questions about your history, whether your family suffers from mental illness, and what symptoms you are currently experiencing. All of this information will help them decide your diagnosis and recommend what type of mental health care you need.
If you or a loved one struggles with a mental health condition, Agape Behavioral Center is here to help. We offer evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders, including individual therapy, group counseling, and medication management.
In this article, you will learn:
- What a psychiatric assessment is
- How to prepare for a psychiatric evaluation
- How a mental health examination works in Fort Pierce
What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
Psychiatric evaluations or mental health assessments are the first step in receiving mental health care. They help mental health professionals create a treatment plan based on your needs. These tools are intended to assess your emotional, psychological, and behavioral well-being.
The main goal of a psychiatric assessment is to gather essential information about your mental health status, diagnose mental health disorders, and create an appropriate treatment plan going forward.
You can receive a psychiatric evaluation in a hospital, a psychologist’s office, or at a mental health or substance abuse treatment center. They are used when you are dealing with mental health symptoms that impact your daily life.
If you are wondering how to prepare for a mental health assessment, you should begin by evaluating what your current issues are. You can do this by keeping a journal of your symptoms and noticing when they occur. This will help you prepare for the questions you will be asked during the assessment.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
How Does a Psychiatric Assessment in Fort Pierce Work?
Mental health services begin after you complete a psychiatric assessment. A psychologist or mental health professional will ask a series of questions to gather background information and a better understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing.
Mental health evaluations include the following steps:
Getting Personal and Family History
Before the mental health professional asks about the current symptoms you are experiencing, they need to get background information about your life and your family. You might be asked questions about your childhood, significant life events, and whether you have received mental health care in the past.
You will also be asked questions about your family, as mental health conditions can be genetic. If your parents struggled with a mental illness or substance abuse, you should inform the professional conducting your assessment.
Medical History Review
Another important part of mental health evaluations is determining your medical history. This is a vital step for a couple of reasons.
First, physical health conditions can lead to psychological symptoms. The psychologist will need to rule out whether a physical illness is causing your issues. Additionally, if it is determined that you require medication, knowing your medical history is important for the prescribing process.
Examining Current Symptoms
Now that the background history is completed, you will begin answering questions about the symptoms you are currently experiencing. The clinician might ask questions about your symptoms, when they started, and whether you have noticed how they are triggered.
Completing Questionnaires or Tests
Once you’ve disclosed the current symptoms you are experiencing, the mental health professional will have a clearer picture of which conditions you could be struggling with. They will have you complete questionnaires or tests specific to mental illnesses that might be the culprit. These additional assessments are necessary to make a formal diagnosis.
Discussing Treatment Options
After you complete the questionnaires, the mental health expert will be able to make an official diagnosis. The point of diagnosing your mental health condition is to know what treatment routes you should take.
Based on the mental illness you struggle with, the psychologist will discuss your options for treatment. This could include individual therapy, group counseling, and daily medication. The type of therapy you engage in and the medication you take will depend on what disorder you struggle with.
Get Connected to Mental Health Treatment in Fort Pierce, FL
If you or a loved one struggles with mental health issues, it’s time to consider professional treatment. At Agape Behavioral Center, we offer individualized and evidence-based services for mental health. Depending on the condition you are dealing with, we offer tools like individual therapy, group counseling sessions, family therapy, and medication management.
Contact us today to learn more about how psychiatric assessments work and how to enroll in our treatment program.
References:
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Mental Illness
