Diagnostic Assessments for Mental Health
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness, and over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a serious mental illness. The type of mental health issues, the severity of the symptoms, and the methods of coping range across a wide spectrum. At The Center for Behavioral Health, we specialize in detailed evaluations of a person’s personal, medical, and behavioral struggles to form the basis for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
At the Center for Behavioral Health, we offer intake, psychiatric, and mental health diagnostic assessments to help us accurately identify an individual’s current mental and behavioral health needs. Our specialists will determine which of these evaluations is necessary on a patient-by-patient basis. Each type of assessment uses different methods of gathering information based on an individual’s concerns and symptoms. Here is an overview of the different assessments we conduct, and what patients and caregivers can expect through the process.
Distinguishing Between the Assessments
While mental health intake, psychiatric, and diagnostic assessments may seem similar, they do serve different purposes.
- Intake assessments are broad and aimed at gathering general information about an individual’s mental health and background.
- Psychiatric evaluations focus on the medical aspects of mental health, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of an individual’s psychiatric functioning, with psychiatrists assessing and diagnosing conditions that may require medication.
- Diagnostic Assessments are in-depth evaluations aimed at identifying specific mental health disorders, leading to more specialized treatment plans.
When used together, these types of assessments help behavioral health professionals pinpoint a diagnosis and develop an effective mental health treatment plan.
Intake Assessments: Step One
Mental health intake assessments are the first step in establishing a relationship between a patient and our team of mental health professionals. Conducted on an outpatient basis, the intake interview is our way of gathering an understanding of an individual’s concerns, symptoms, and goals for therapy.
We collect a detailed medical and mental health history to help us look at potential diagnoses and identify any safety risks. Specifically, we collect basic personal information, such as name, age, contact details, living arrangements, employment status, interests, strengths, and challenges. Using checklists, questionnaires, and other professional forms, our behavioral specialists form a comprehensive picture of an individual’s past and current situation.
Psychiatric Evaluations: Understanding the Individual
A psychiatric assessment is a more specialized evaluation conducted by our psychiatrists. These medical doctors specialize in mental health disorders and are equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions through medication and therapy. At The Center for Behavioral Health, our psychiatrists perform an in-depth analysis of an individual’s mental health, specifically exploring symptoms, behaviors, and emotional well-being.
During a psychiatric evaluation, we engage in confidential discussions about a person’s history, symptoms, and the impact of their issues on their life. This may take several sessions, emphasizing the need for openness and honesty to achieve an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Diagnostic Assessments: Pinpointing the Problem
Diagnostic assessments delve deeper into identifying specific mental health disorders. Utilizing a range of psychiatric tests, a structured interview, and a symptom rating scale, our mental health professionals can accurately diagnose a wide array of mental health conditions. This step is important for determining the most effective treatment strategies, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. These assessments are essential for uncovering the root causes of mental health symptoms, enabling our mental health professionals to address not just the symptoms but the underlying issues as well.
Personalized Treatment Plans
At the Center for Behavioral Health at Woods, we believe everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life. Just as no two people are exactly alike, nor will two treatment plans for achieving happiness be exactly like any other. We use our comprehensive assessments to paint a detailed picture of an individual so we can develop personalized interventions to promote short- and long-term healing and growth. Our dedicated medical professionals encourage meaningful communication between our clients and their families, friends, and support teams.
Caregiver Support
Understanding that caregivers are an integral part of the treatment process, our team also offers resources and support to help them navigate the complexities of mental health care. Explaining the distinctions and purposes behind the mental health diagnostic assessments is an important part of this support. We encourage caregivers to participate in the assessment process and ask any questions along the way.
Our wellness team of experienced psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, nurse navigators, counselors, and family therapists are here to help individuals achieve better mental health and well-being. We encourage anyone who is having mental health challenges to seek an evaluation and begin the recovery process. Request an appointment here or feel free to call us at 215-750-4004 for more information.
