A psychiatric evaluation is a mental health assessment, where we will check to see if you are experiencing a mental health problem. This evaluation generally involves multiple components, which can include answering questions verbally, receiving a physical test, and completing a questionnaire.
In many ways, psychiatric testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. If a patient has physical symptoms, a primary care provider may order X-rays or blood tests to understand what’s causing those symptoms. The results of the tests will help inform develop a treatment plan.
Psychiatric evaluations serve the same purpose. We use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe your behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.