Psychiatric Evaluations

The first step for an individual seeking psychiatric treatment is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This stage is essential in order to diagnose mental health conditions, address any immediate or emergency concerns, and develop an individualized treatment plan going forward.

Psychiatrists assess both the physical and mental aspects of mental health conditions, which is essential for the most comprehensive approach to care. It is important for a psychiatrist to understand behaviors and thinking patterns that may be presenting as problematic, and specifically, how they are affecting:

• Mood, mental and emotional state
• Work and/or school performance
• Relationships with others (e.g., coworkers, neighbors, family members, spouse, etc.)
• Medical condition
• Involvement in activities

Undergoing comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment can be one of the most effective and life-changing steps taken to address what an individual in need of care is currently experiencing. Contact us online or call ☎ (773) 594-9944 to schedule an initial consultation.

What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry and is licensed to provide psychiatric care. Psychiatric assessments are designed to evaluate an individual's mental and emotional well-being, including physiological aspects of mental health. An evaluation may be needed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders.

Whether evaluating an adult, adolescent or child, the assessment is based on behaviors being exhibited, as well as social, cognitive, emotional, physical, genetic, educational and environmental factors that may be impacted or be causative agents in the behaviors at issue.

Why is it important to undergo a Psychiatric Evaluation?

As stated above, a Psychiatric Evaluation is the very first step taken when entering psychiatric treatment. The evaluation is a critical tool in order to develop the:

• Initial Diagnosis: The initial evaluation will help to diagnose a mental health disorder – from depression or anxiety to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. A diagnosis may change over time, as more in-depth treatment reveals additional diagnoses, or as the condition improves.
• Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, the most effective treatment options can be identified. Psychiatric treatment may involve different types of therapy, medication, supplements or lifestyle modifications.
• Emergency Assessment: In acute mental health crises, emergency evaluations are usually conducted to assess the immediate risk to the individual and others, and to determine the appropriate level and type of psychiatric care needed.

Psychiatric Evaluation in Chicago: What to expect?

Every psychiatric evaluation can be unique to the individual being evaluated. Children, for example, may require a different approach and a different set of tools than might be used with adolescents or adults. There are important nuances, too, when assessing adults and geriatric patients.

The most common elements in most psychiatric assessments include the following:

• Interview: A psychiatrist will generally require a detailed interview to collect information about your immediate concerns, as well as your medical history, family history, and any prior diagnoses or treatments.
• Questionnaires and Testing: A variety of questionnaires or evaluative testing may be used to further assess your condition. From a standardized Mental Status Examination to investigate your thought processes, mood or perception, to other tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), intelligence tests like the WISC, and others, if deemed necessary, including educational assessments or speech and language assessments.
• Physical Examination: One aspect that separates psychiatry from psychology or other mental health treatment approaches involves a focus on the physiological. Psychiatrists may conduct a physical exam to rule out underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your mental health.
• Medical Testing: Likewise, tests ranging from blood work or urine analysis to MRIs and CT scans may be necessary to assess your physical and mental condition and any connections.

Who initiates a Psychiatric Evaluation?

When the patient is a child or adolescent, the initial referral may come from a school, physician’s office, family member, caregiver or institution. The responsible party, usually a parent, will have to authorize treatment, or in some cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed by the court.

In the case of adults, referrals may be made by workplaces, institutions, family members, caregivers and self-referral. An adult cannot be forcibly placed in inpatient or outpatient psychiatric care without their consent except usually by court order.

Understanding the Issue of Consent

In Chicago, and throughout Illinois, an adult can be involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility under specific circumstances outlined in the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Nor can a psychiatrist force someone to submit to an evaluation or therapy without a court order. However, a psychiatrist's recommendation is often taken into consideration by the court, and the court can offer the person the option of either incarceration or involuntary therapy.

In emergency situations, an individual can be admitted to a mental health facility without a prior court order if there is an immediate risk of harm to self or others. Law enforcement, often working together with medical personnel, or other designated authorities, can take an individual into custody and transport them to a mental health facility for evaluation and potential admission.

An Important Note for Parents, Spouses and Other Family Members

Once the psychological evaluation is complete and an initial diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment will be particularly important for any person in psychiatric treatment. The primary psychiatric provider will be able to address questions as long-term and short-term treatment goals are developed, with the consent of the patient, when necessary.

Request Your Consultation

It is essential to initiate psychiatric treatment as soon as the need becomes clear. The first step is the initial psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, which allows us to develop a treatment plan. Call ☎ (773) 594-9944 or contact us online for an initial consultation.

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