A professional psychiatric evaluation is a valuable tool that assesses a person’s mental health needs and helps determine a workable treatment plan. If you or a loved one are exhibiting changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior that impact your personal and professional life, then it’s time to see a compassionate expert.
Let’s talk about the signs you should get a psychiatric evaluation and where you can go for this evaluation in Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, VA.
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric physician or other mental health professional conducts a psychiatric evaluation, gathers the information for a correct mental health diagnosis, and plans treatment. These detailed evaluations include a medical history and physical, a discussion of current symptoms and behaviors, blood tests and imaging as needed, and more.
In addition, the evaluation assesses the impact the person’s symptoms and behaviors have on personal life (school, job) and interpersonal relationships (family, friends, coworkers). This in-depth patient interview is custom-tailored to the individual and expresses or observes mental health needs.
Sometimes, legal entities require a person to receive a psychiatric evaluation. Also, a person may be assessed due to the risk of self-harm or harming others. Most frequently, these assessments are the necessary tools to plan inpatient or outpatient management of mental health conditions such as anxiety, substance abuse, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more.
What Are the Signs That I May Need a Psychiatric Evaluation?
You may need a psychiatric evaluation if you have observable and appreciable changes in mood and behavior. Common examples of signs and symptoms are:
- Sleep disruptions (too much or too little)
- Appetite changes (overeating or lack of appetite)
- Isolation
- Disinterest in once-loved relationships and activities (hobbies, for instance)
- Changes in hygiene habits
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood–sadness, crying, and apathy
- Angry outbursts
- Verbal and/or physical conflicts at home, in the workplace, or the community
- Substance abuse–alcohol, drugs
- Thoughts of and plans for self-harm or suicide
- Poor job or school performance
What Does My Mental Health Care Provider Do with the Results?
The results of a psychiatric evaluation start the road to recovery and ongoing management of mental health disorders. Each plan is customized and can–and should be–adjusted according to patient response over time.
Care plans may include input, treatment, and support from various behavioral health providers, the patient, the family, and more. Plus, all services are rendered in a non-judgmental, positive manner.
After all, mental health problems are so common and treatable. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that about one out of every 20 Americans need and can benefit from a psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan. However, too many people do not seek out the care they need and deserve.
Caring, Competent Psychiatric Evaluations at EPIC Health Partners, LCC
At three convenient locations–Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, VA–our behavioral health team delivers many onsite services to help children through senior adults find their most stable and independent lives. We offer telehealth psychiatric assessments and see individuals onsite, working through expert education, care coordination, counseling, therapy, and medications to manage mental health and substance abuse.
To learn more about us or arrange a consultation, call us today at(434) 835-4601 or request a visit by filling in our online patient contact form.
If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please get help right away by calling 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255). Or, text HOME to 741-741.
