Psychiatric Evaluation

What is a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is a detailed mental health assessment performed by a qualified psychiatric provider. The evaluation gathers important information about your emotional health, physical health, family history, medications, lifestyle, relationships, and current symptoms to better understand what you are experiencing.

We then go deeply to see what are your goals, objectiives are to live your life as best you can.  We specialize in depresribing which means reducing or eliminating psychiatric medications that aren't working and we use a nutritional intervention to keep you as healthy as possible. This is often overlooked and greatly needed. 

We also work with people who would like to have a better relationship with food and stop the merry go around of dieting. 

Keep in mind, we do not provide MAT medications, nor controlled medications for ADHD, though we may prescribe NALTREXONE for alcohol use disorder and Strattera for ADHD. 

Who can benefit from a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation can benefit anyone experiencing changes in mood, emotions, thinking, or behavior that interfere with daily life. Individuals who may benefit include those who are:

• Struggling with persistent anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress
• Experiencing mood swings or emotional instability
• Having difficulty focusing or managing ADHD symptoms
• Coping with trauma or post-traumatic stress
• Living with sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
• Facing relationship challenges related to mental health
• Seeking a second opinion regarding a previous diagnosis
• Looking for personalized recommendations before beginning psychiatric treatment and/or medications
• On multiple medications and would like to be healthier 

Psychiatric evaluations are also valuable for individuals whose symptoms have not improved with previous treatment or who are seeking a more comprehensive, integrative approach to mental health care.

What can a psychiatric evaluation uncover?

Mental health symptoms often have multiple contributing factors. A psychiatric evaluation helps identify potential diagnoses while also recognizing medical, environmental, emotional, and lifestyle influences that may affect overall well-being.

The evaluation can uncover conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, or substance use disorders. It may also reveal contributing factors like chronic stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, chronic illness, or unhealthy sleep habits that could be impacting your mental health.

Understanding these interconnected factors allows Linda to create treatment plans that address the whole person rather than focusing on symptoms alone.

What can I expect during a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is designed to be a comfortable, confidential conversation focused on understanding each individual's concerns. During the appointment, Linda asks questions about current symptoms, medical history, mental health history, medications, family history, daily functioning, and personal goals.

Patients are encouraged to discuss their experiences openly without fear of judgment. Linda may use standardized screening tools or questionnaires to gain additional insight into symptoms and overall functioning.

Following the evaluation, Linda explains any findings, discusses possible diagnoses, and recommends next steps. Treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy referrals, integrative wellness strategies, nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, laboratory testing, or ongoing follow-up visits. Because Rural and Health Disparities Psychiatric Services offers  telehealth appointments,  patients can receive continued support in the setting that best fits their lifestyle.

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of a psychiatric evaluation, call Rural and Health Disparities Psychiatric Services or request an appointment online today.