Psych Evaluation: A Step Toward Getting Mental Healthcare

A psychological evaluation is an important step in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Here's what to expect from this kind of mental health assessment.

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If you’re pursuing mental health treatment, you may have heard about something called a “psych evaluation.” Also known as a psychological evaluation or psych eval, this assessment is made by psychologists and other mental health providers to determine a person’s mental health status. It’s often one of the first steps in discovering what’s causing distressing or disruptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Read on to learn more about what to expect during a psychological evaluation, the different types of assessments used, and how this evaluation can be the first step toward understanding your mental health needs.

What is a psychological evaluation?

“A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment conducted by a mental health professional, psychologist or psychiatrist. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess an individual’s behaviors, thoughts, feelings, cognitive abilities, and other related factors to determine their mental state,” says Tracye Freeman Valentine, LPC-MHSP, a Charlie Health Clinical Supervisor.

According to Freeman Valentine, a psychological evaluation provides “crucial information for diagnosing mental health conditions.” It can serve as a tool to guide treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorder. More specifically, it can help providers collaborate with people to set goals, objectives, strategies for monitoring progress with achieving those goals.

Who should get a psychological evaluation? 

A psychological evaluation is a versatile tool used by mental health providers to help people better understand what’s going on in their own lives. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), you may want to consider a professional mental health evaluation if you’re experiencing:

• Mood changes, such as increased irritability or depressed feelings 
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes to sleep, appetite, or personal hygiene 
• Decreased functioning at work, school, or social activities 
• Nervousness 
• A lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed

What to expect from a psychological evaluation 

According to Freeman Valentine, people should expect to discuss various aspects of their life and mental health during a psychological evaluation. This includes:

• Any mental health symptoms and concerns
• Behavior and safety concerns
• History of traumatic events
• Medical history, including medications and dosages
• Family health and mental health history
• Social and work environments and stressors
• Educational history
• Changes in behavior and concerns
• Legal records 

Psychological evaluations typically last at least an hour and involve a range of techniques, including surveys, interviews, and behavioral observations. The exact experience will depend on the person, but may include the following tools. 

Clinical interview

A clinical interview is an essential component of most psychological assessments. It’s an opportunity for your provider to learn more about your symptoms, your health history, and what brought you to them in the first place. Clinical interviews can involve structured conversations or more free-flowing exchanges. 

Behavioral assessment

Providers use behavioral assessments to analyze people’s behavior patterns, such as communication style, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate conflict. By learning when, where, and why specific behaviors occur, providers can help people get to the root cause of what’s driving problematic thoughts and actions. 

Personality assessment

A person’s personality is based on factors like their values, behaviors, and emotional patterns. By learning about a person’s unique personality, providers are better positioned to make a more accurate and comprehensive assessment. Personality assessments can be used to diagnose mental health issues, discover a person’s strengths and weaknesses, and offer additional insight into their behavior patterns.

How to make the most of your psychological evaluation 

Scheduling a psychological evaluation can feel like a big deal. If you’re nervous or hesitant about meeting with a mental health professional, here are several tips to help put you at ease and make the most out of your psych evaluation.

1. Prepare for the evaluation

“It is important to be well-prepared for the evaluation by getting adequate rest beforehand,” says Freeman Valentine. In addition to rest, consider taking 15-20 minutes to think about any mental health concerns or significant life changes that are important for your provider to know. It’s also helpful to gather any relevant documents, such as health insurance information, medical records, or referral forms. 

2. Be honest

Freeman Valentine also suggests being transparent during the assessment. Your provider will likely ask you questions about your symptoms, health history, and why you’ve decided to seek mental health support. While it may be tempting to sugarcoat things or leave out certain details, being honest is the best way to get the support you need. 

3. Ask questions

During a psychological evaluation, the provider will ask questions to get to know you better. However, they’re not the only ones who can ask questions. It’s ok to bring up any concerns that have been on your mind or ask for additional clarification if something doesn’t make sense to you. 

4. Keep an open mind

Having someone ask you personal questions or observe your behavior can feel weird, but try to keep an open mind throughout the process. Remember that the provider’s goal is to learn more about you so they can help you feel your best. 

5. Review next steps

At the end of the evaluation, your provider will likely share information about next steps. If they don’t, make a point to ask when and how you’ll receive your results. For example, it’s important to know if they will share information via email or if you should schedule a follow-up appointment. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, Charlie Health can help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) was created to provide people with extra mental health treatment and support to manage mental illness, major life transitions, and problems at work or school. 

Our compassionate clinicians are qualified to conduct psych evaluations and create personalized treatment recommendations to help you heal. Our IOP incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions for a more holistic approach to healing. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start your healing journey today.