Millions of people in the United States live with mental health conditions. Mental health conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s functioning, impact their relationships, and cause physical health problems.
Mental health disorders typically respond to treatment. Treating a mental health condition as soon as you recognize the symptoms can help you learn to manage or reduce its symptoms. There are many levels of care and types of treatment available. Finding the right course of treatment is essential to your long-term recovery.
A mental health evaluation can help your medical and mental health professionals to provide the best treatment options. This article will outline the purpose of a mental health evaluation and where to find one. You will learn:
- What to expect during a mental health evaluation
- The goals of assessing mental health conditions
- An overview of mental health and psychiatric services
- How to determine if you require a mental health assessment
- Where to find a mental health evaluation near you
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health issues, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based mental health care at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Mental Health Evaluation?
A mental health evaluation is a type of screening. It can identify a mental illness like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, etc. This type of evaluation can also determine which kind of treatment plans are most likely to be effective.
Several types of practitioners can conduct a mental health evaluation, including:
- Primary care doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
A mental health evaluation can determine if a person’s symptoms require treatment services, including talking therapy, medication management, and other types of support.
What is the Goal of a Mental Health Evaluation?
All people go through ups and downs throughout life. Feelings of sadness, worry, loneliness, and others are common and expected.
However, people may sometimes go through especially challenging periods. They may feel emotions or experience symptoms that interfere with their functioning. Their feelings may impact their relationships, affect their health, or cause other problems.
The goal of a mental health evaluation is to determine the source of a person’s mental health symptoms. This type of screening can help to identify and diagnose a mental health disorder. It allows mental health professionals to create an effective treatment plan to address mental health conditions.
What to Expect During a Mental Health Assessment
A mental health assessment consists of several types of screening. Here is an overview of what is included in a mental health evaluation.
Lab testing
Lab testing is a critical aspect of a mental health evaluation. It may include urine testing, a brain scan, bloodwork, and other screenings. Thorough lab testing can help practitioners identify physical conditions that can contribute to mental health symptoms.
Physical exam
In some cases, physical health conditions can impact your emotional health. A physical exam may help pinpoint physical conditions affecting your mental health.
Personal history
Your medical or mental health practitioner may ask about your lifestyle and experiences. They may inquire about your marital status, work, stressors, and other relevant topics. This will help them understand your symptoms and needs more effectively.
Mental health history
Your practitioner may ask about your mental health symptoms and how they impact your functioning. They may ask about strategies you’ve used to manage your symptoms, when they began, and more. This information will help them understand the path your condition has taken and develop more effective treatment plans.
Cognitive testing
Cognitive testing can help your mental health or medical provider understand how you think. You may complete tests that assess your attention, reasoning, memory, and more.
You may obtain a mental health evaluation in a mental health center, doctor’s office, clinic, and other settings. Reach out to the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about obtaining a mental health assessment.
Do I Need a Mental Health Evaluation?
Mental health treatment can help people feel and function better. People have different needs to address their mental health symptoms. There is a wide range of mental health therapies, including talk therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and holistic therapies.
Noticing signs of a mental health condition can help you get treatment as quickly as possible. Early treatment typically has the best outcomes.
Some signs of a mental health condition include:
- Changes in appetite, mood, or sleep
- Isolation or social withdrawal
- Changes in personality
- Substance abuse
- Difficulty with concentration, focus, or memory
- Feelings of being disconnected or detached
- Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities
- Unusual or uncharacteristic behaviors
- Experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) or delusions (believing things that are not true)
- Aches, pains, or other physical symptoms that don’t have a clear physical cause
- Increased sensitivity to physical sensations (sight, smell, touch, etc.)
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Mental health conditions can disrupt functioning, but mental health treatment can help people manage their symptoms. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, and holistic therapies can help people feel better and move forward.
Find a Mental Health Evaluation Near You
Mental health conditions can impact your health, relationships, and wellness. Find compassionate, effective mental health services at Agape Behavioral Health. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists today.
