Many times, comprehensive psychiatric evaluations families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or environmental conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include problems with relationships with friends or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It’s important for families who suspect a problem in any of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be needed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. If the evaluation shows evidence of a mental health disorder, active participation from the parent and family is a very important part of treatment.
Diagnostic Assessment
During the fourth step of the psychological evaluation process, the psychologist scores and integrates information from the diagnostic interview, records obtained, and results from all of the data collected in Step 3. A preliminary written report summarizing assessment findings and offering tentative recommendations for interventions and/or accommodations will be prepared. We will use this preliminary written report to guide our feedback session, which is Step 5. Within 2-4 weeks, we provide a thorough assessment and treatment recommendation that is tailored to each patient’s needs and preferences, drawing on the latest and most effective therapies. A mental health assessment gives your doctor a complete picture of your emotional state. It also looks at how well you are able to think, reason, and remember (cognitive functioning).