Do you struggle emotionally to get through the day? Are you often confronted with stressful situations that you don’t know how to deal with?
You are not alone. In the U.S., 46.4% of adults experience mental illness during their lifetime. Every year, 43.8 million people suffer from a mental disorder.
Unfortunately, only 41% of Americans with a mental disorder received professional help. The healthcare community and others are working to encourage people to seek professional counseling. By seeking psychiatric evaluations, many people can find joy in life again.
Reasons to Get Psychiatric Evaluations
For many years, mental health problems represented a stigma. The attitude was, “just get over it.” People feared negative consequences if they admitted to needing counseling.
Today, mental health counseling has gained respect. More people are now encouraged to seek counseling to decrease their emotional pain and suffering.
Some problems addressed in counseling could include phobias and ongoing feelings of depression or anxiety. Other disorders may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficits, and problems managing anger.
Counseling provides a safe place to discuss how you are feeling. You will also learn about coping mechanisms to help you manage stressful situations.
Where Do You Start?
Your first step in seeking help is to speak to your primary care physician. You can also begin with a psychologist, a licensed mental health counselor, or a social worker.
These healthcare providers will listen to your concerns. They might perform a physical assessment and/or an emotional/mental assessment. Be sure to report all medications or recreational drugs you use as this could affect how you’re feeling.
After this initial assessment, this practitioner might refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
What Happens in a Psychiatric Evaluation?
Your physician, healthcare provider, or family member could ask for a mental health consultation. The psychiatrist will focus on diagnosing and treating a new problem, or they might work to manage a known mental or behavioral problem.
The initial evaluation includes a review of your medical history, physical exam, and previous diagnostic testing. The psychiatrist will also look at relevant information sent from the referring practitioner.
The psychiatrist must determine if you are able to give informed consent for treatment and participate in treatment.
The goal of this evaluation is to establish a diagnosis. Then decide if your diagnosis will benefit from psychiatric treatment. The final step is to create a treatment plan with you.
You may receive prescription medication and/or other treatment modalities.
Emergency Psychiatric Evaluations
If you are experiencing significant distress or behavioral problems, you need immediate medical intervention.
Your safety and the safety of others is the first priority. The psychiatrist will make an initial diagnosis. This might change as the psychiatrist continues their evaluation. Reasons for behavioral change can also include certain medical conditions or substance abuse.
The psychiatrist may speak with family, and others close to you, to learn about your behavioral history. This allows the psychiatrist to gain a better understanding of whether this behavior represents a new change or has a long history.
After completing their assessment, the psychiatrist can make a further diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Are You Ready to Ask for Help?
If you have difficulty in your daily life due to emotional, mental, or behavioral problems, talk to your primary physician. They can decide if you need psychiatric evaluations.
Our staff cares about you and strives to create a comfortable environment. You are invited to share feelings, concerns, and problems in a judgment-free zone. We will help you learn new skills and perspectives to improve your daily life.
Contact us to ask questions and schedule an appointment.