Mental health conditions are prevalent among people living in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly 60 million people have a mental health issue.[1] In other words, if you are struggling emotionally, you are not alone.
When you begin to notice mental health symptoms, you should seek out professional help. The first step in receiving care is getting a psychological evaluation. This process helps mental health professionals determine what type of care you need.
While it can be tricky to navigate the mental health care system, there are ways to make it an easier process. If you are wondering where to find a psych evaluation in Fort Pierce, you’ve come to the right place. While you can get an assessment in a private practice or a hospital, you can also receive one within a mental health treatment center like Agape Behavioral Center.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a psych evaluation?
- When should you seek a psych assessment?
- Where to find psychological testing in Fort Pierce
What is a Psych Evaluation?
Psych evaluations can be divided into two types: psychological assessments and psychiatric evaluations. To explain, psychological assessments are used to determine a full picture of your behavior, cognitive functioning, mood, and symptoms through a series of questions and surveys. On the other hand, psychiatric evaluations are used to provide you with a diagnosis and determine what illness you are struggling with.
Whether you are receiving a psychological or psychiatric evaluation, both can be used to create a treatment plan that helps you recover. The main difference is the type of professional conducting the assessment. Psychologists and therapists conduct psychological assessments, while psychiatrists complete psychiatric evaluations.
During either type of psych assessment, you will be asked questions about your family history, current symptoms, when you began experiencing issues, trauma history, and more. All of the questions asked will be used to create a treatment plan that may include individual therapy, group counseling, and medication. Your treatment plan might also determine whether you need inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment.
When Should You Get a Psych Evaluation in Fort Pierce?
You should seek out a psych evaluation when you begin noticing mental health symptoms that impact your ability to function in daily life. If you are dealing with frequent anxiety, feelings of depression, or mood swings, you should consider receiving an assessment.
Signs that you need a psych evaluation in Fort Pierce include:
- Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches
- Dealing with frequent memory lapses
- Having new or worsening mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Hearing concerns from friends or family about your mental health
- Having a hard time caring for basic needs due to mental health symptoms
- Dealing with symptoms like mental confusion, delusional thinking, or hallucinations
- Experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Another sign that you need a psych evaluation is your treatment is not working. Maybe you’ve already been diagnosed with a mental health condition and are in therapy or taking medication. If your treatment modalities are not working for you, it could signal that your diagnosis was incorrect and you need an updated evaluation.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
Where to Find a Psych Evaluation Near You
Mental health disorders can be difficult to cope with, especially if you haven’t received treatment. To receive specialized therapy and psychiatric services, you’ll need to complete a mental health assessment.
If you are wondering where to find a psych evaluation in Fort Pierce, your options include:
Private Practices
You can attend therapy or a psychiatric appointment at a private practice. The mental health professional will provide you with an assessment during your first appointment. This will help them narrow down treatment options to determine if they should use therapy, medication management, or inpatient treatment.
Hospitals
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency like psychosis or suicidal thoughts, you should go to a hospital to receive immediate care. At the hospital, a mental health professional will come to your room to provide you with a psych assessment. From there, they will recommend you to either attend inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment or stay in the hospital for suicide watch before you begin your long-term recovery program.
Mental Health Treatment Centers
Mental health centers also offer in-depth psych assessments. For example, at Agape Behavioral Center, we offer a variety of programs, including residential treatment and a few different outpatient options. When you begin any one of our programs, the first step is receiving an assessment.
Our psych assessments help guide the treatment approach. We might recommend services like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, medication management, or dual diagnosis services for co-occurring substance use disorders.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Mental Health Rehab in Fort Pierce
If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental health issue, you should receive a psych assessment. At Agape Behavioral Center, we offer in-depth assessments and individualized treatment planning. We have a wide variety of treatment programs to ensure you get the type of care you need.
Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Mental Illness
