A psych evaluation is a process you go through when you start your journey to wellness at Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services.
Before designing a treatment program for you, your provider needs to understand as much as possible about you. This is important because emotional and mental health disorders are often complex.
Your childhood, upbringing, school life, and relationships with your parents, siblings, and friends all profoundly influence your development. Many psychological disorders have their roots in childhood experiences, which often can be hard to remember.
Genetic influences on your behaviors and feelings or medical conditions affecting your thinking and emotions could be at play. Expert analysis is required to get to the root of these issues. Finding out as much as possible about you can give your provider a much clearer view of where to start with psychotherapy and other treatments.
The first stage of your psych evaluation involves a comprehensive interview lasting around 60-90 minutes. Your provider gathers a detailed history from you during the meeting. They also refer to your medical records and any other relevant information, like previous psychiatric history.
The information your provider gets during this meeting helps them decide what other tests you might need. Examples of further tests include:
You might need to have blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions and problems like hormone imbalances that can contribute to (or even cause) mental health problems.
Your provider might want to see an MRI of your brain if they have any concerns or queries about your neurological functioning.
Psychological testing involves one or a series of evaluations to provide insight into how your mind works — your thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints.
After completing your psychiatric evaluation, the Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services team prepares an initial care plan. They will discuss this with you so you have input on the shape of your treatment program.
They also want to hear your concerns or questions and ensure you understand the treatments and why you would benefit from them. This close cooperation means you’re far more likely to follow your treatment plan and regain your health.
You can schedule a consultation with the expert psychiatric team at Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services by calling their offices or booking an appointment online today.