Psychological Evaluations and
Psychosocial Mental Health Assessment
What is a Psychological Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s mental and emotional health to assess their ability to function in the community and to create a plan for treatment.
A psychosocial and psychological evaluation may include several components beginning with a clinical interview to understand important information about the client and include information from tests, surveys, a medical evaluation and observational data to understand the emotional well-being, disturbances, and severity of these concerns. It can take between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the reason for testing. A written report that will include feedback concerning diagnosis and recommended treatments is prepared and reviewed with the client.
WHY GET EVALUATED
The American Psychiatric Association summarizes possible warning signs that may warrant a psychiatric evaluation.
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Social withdrawal: Losing interest in interacting with others, especially close friends and family.
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Problems are thinking: Having issues with memory, concentration, speech, and logical, rational thought.
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Decreased functioning: Having significant difficulties at school, work, or social activities. This includes quitting previously enjoyed activities and struggles to perform routine tasks.
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Apathy: Loss of motivation and desire to participate in familiar tasks.
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Disconnected feelings: A hard-to-shake idea of being disconnected from oneself or surroundings. A feeling reality has been altered in some way.
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Increased sensitivity: Being affected or overloaded by sensory input like sights, sounds, and touch. Avoiding situations in fear of over-stimulation.
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Mood changes: Unexplained rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions.
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Unusual behavior: Acting in uncharacteristic ways or displaying peculiar behaviors.
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Changes in sleep or appetite: Declining personal care due to changes in sleep and eating patterns.
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Irrational thinking: Illogical thought patterns that impact daily functioning. These could include intrusive thoughts, "magical" thinking, or unusual and exaggerated beliefs.
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Anxiety or paranoia: Fears or suspicions of others, situations, or one's environment.
