Comprehensive Initial Psychiatric Evaluation:
What to Expect
Welcome to your initial psychiatric evaluation at Empathy Health!
If you’re here because you’re curious (or maybe a bit nervous) about what happens during this first session, you’re in the right place.
This evaluation is all about getting to know you, not just the symptoms you’re experiencing. It’s about understanding your story.
Your first session usually lasts about an hour.
I know that may sound long, but it’s so we have enough time to really understand what’s been going on in your life and what’s brought you here. Our goal isn’t just to manage symptoms; it’s to get a complete picture of who you are. We want to know what’s on your mind, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to achieve.
At Empathy Health Clinic, we’re committed to seeing you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Our evaluations go beyond prescribing medication. They’re about building a real relationship with you and supporting your mental health in a way that feels meaningful and lasting.
So, let’s take this first step together.
What Exactly is a Comprehensive Initial Psychiatric Evaluation?
First things first: think of this initial session as a conversation.
This isn’t about quick fixes or judging you. Instead, it’s a chance for us to dig a bit deeper into what’s going on in your life, your mind, and your body. That’s why this session is usually a bit longer than typical appointments.
Why? Because this first meeting sets the foundation for everything else. It’s a bit like when you see a doctor for a physical check-up, except here, we’re checking up on your mental health.
Step One: Getting to Know Your Concerns
- Changes in mood
- Trouble focusing
- Increased anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
Step Two: Exploring Your Personal History
A huge part of this evaluation is about context—understanding the bigger picture of your life. We’ll look at things like:
- Medical history: Have you had any health conditions that might affect your mental health?
- Mental health history: Have you experienced similar feelings or challenges in the past?
- Family background: Does anyone in your family have a history of mental health concerns?
Talking about your background helps us get a better understanding of what might be influencing how you feel today. Sometimes, patterns can emerge that give us clues on what could be helpful moving forward.
Step Three: Examining Different Aspects of How You’re Feeling
Next, we’ll look at how you’re feeling and thinking day to day. This is like a mental “check-up,” where we assess areas like:
- Mood: Are you feeling up, down, or somewhere in between most days?
- Energy levels: Are you often tired or feeling low in energy?
- Focus and memory: Are you having trouble concentrating or remembering things?
I may ask specific questions to help me understand things like your thought patterns, how you process emotions, or if you’re dealing with anything more challenging, like self-critical thoughts.
Step Four: Checking for Safety
One part of the evaluation involves asking about difficult emotions, and yes, that may include asking about thoughts of self-harm or any intense emotions. Don’t be alarmed—this is a standard part of the evaluation. It’s just to ensure we’re on the same page, especially if you’re facing these kinds of feelings.
Step Five: Forming a Treatment Plan
By the end of this first session, we’ll have a clearer idea of what’s going on and what might help. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that could include:
- Therapy: Whether it’s talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or another type, we’ll find what feels like a good fit for you.
- Lifestyle changes: Sometimes, small shifts in daily habits can make a big difference.
- Medication: If you’re open to it and we agree it’s necessary, we might explore medication options.
This plan is all about what you’re comfortable with, and nothing will be decided without your input.
What Happens After the First Session?
After that first evaluation, we’ll set up follow-up appointments. These sessions are shorter—usually around 20 to 30 minutes—and give us a chance to:
Follow-Up Appointments
Let’s go over follow-up appointments. Once we get started with a treatment plan that feels right for you, regular follow-ups help us stay on track together.
Check in on how you’re feeling
In follow-ups, I’ll often ask, ‘How have things been since we last met?’ This is your chance to tell me about anything that’s changed—whether it’s something positive, like feeling more motivated, or maybe something that’s not working as well. We want to make sure the plan is right for you, and if adjustments are needed, we can discuss them together.
Adjust your treatment plan as needed
If you’re taking medication, we’ll spend time talking about how that’s been going too. I might ask questions like, ‘Have you noticed any changes in how you feel? Any side effects?’ We know that finding the right balance sometimes takes a little trial and error, and I want you to feel comfortable sharing any concerns you have.
Goal checking
Another key part of these sessions is looking back at the goals we set together. Life is constantly shifting, and your needs may change as well. If a goal doesn’t feel as relevant anymore or if a new one comes up, we’ll work on adjusting it. These follow-ups are like little checkpoints that ensure we’re on the same page and moving forward in a way that feels good for you.
See if there have been any changes since your last visit
And please, bring up anything new or unexpected. If something big has happened—a life change, a sudden stressor—let’s talk about it. It’s all part of the process, and I’m here to support you, whatever’s going on.
We do ask that you come in for these follow-ups monthly. It’s a way for us to keep a close eye on your progress and to make sure you’re feeling supported along the way.
Psychiatric Evaluation Guide for Specific Conditions
Sometimes, evaluations are designed to really hone in on specific things like ADHD, depression, panic disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder or OCD.
And each one? It has its own unique steps and areas of focus.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what a psychiatric evaluation for each might look like:
Step-by-Step Guide to Your ADHD Evaluation
So, you think you might have ADHD?
Don’t worry—you’ll be fine, and we’re here to guide you. I know the whole process can feel a bit daunting, but our Orlando ADHD treatment approach is designed to make this as clear and supportive as possible.
I’ll walk you through each step, giving you a real sense of what happens in an ADHD evaluation and how we’ll move forward together. Here’s an overview:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll talk about challenges like focus or organization.
- Symptom Rating Scales: We might use computerized tests to measure attention.
- Medical and Family History Review: ADHD can sometimes run in families.
- Blood Work: To rule out physical causes that mimic ADHD symptoms.
- Daily Impact Assessment: We’ll look at how ADHD affects your life.
Let’s break it down
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Symptom Assessment
In our first session, we’ll dive into the main challenges you’re facing.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is mainly about attention issues and impulse control. During an ADHD evaluation, I’ll focus on signs like:
- Difficulty paying attention – you might find it hard to stay focused, especially if something doesn’t interest you.
- Impulsiveness – acting quickly without thinking, like blurting things out or interrupting.
- Hyperactivity – things like fidgeting, restlessness, or feeling like you’re constantly “on the go.”
We might ask about your experiences at school or work, even as a kid, since ADHD often shows up early. We’ll also look at behavior patterns over time to get the full picture.
Share whatever examples come to mind so we can understand how these symptoms show up in your daily life—both the big and small moments.
Step 2: Symptom Rating Scales and Computerized Testing
To get a clear, objective picture of your symptoms, we’ll use ADHD rating scales and a computerized test. The rating scales help capture the intensity and frequency of symptoms, while the computer test is designed to measure your attention span and impulse control.
Don’t worry—this is all part of building a tailored plan, so just focus on answering honestly.
Step 3: Reviewing Medical, Family, and Psychiatric History
We’ll review your medical and mental health history to get a fuller picture.
ADHD can sometimes run in families, so if there’s a history of it among family members, that’s important for us to know. This step helps us identify if there are any other factors or conditions contributing to the symptoms, ensuring our approach is as accurate as possible.
Step 4: Blood Work and EKG (if needed)
In some cases, blood tests can help rule out other issues—like thyroid conditions—that might mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms. If stimulant medications become a treatment option, we may recommend an EKG to confirm that everything is in good shape heart-wise. This step is just about ensuring that we consider every aspect of your health in the treatment process.
Step 5: Assessing Daily Impact
ADHD can affect all areas of life—whether it’s keeping up at work or managing relationships.
We’ll talk about how your symptoms impact daily life to help us shape a treatment plan that truly fits you. This conversation goes beyond the checklist; it’s about understanding your unique experience with ADHD.
Step 6: Treatment Plan and Follow-Up
Once we’ve completed the evaluation, we’ll discuss a treatment plan that could include lifestyle adjustments, behavioral strategies, or medication if it’s right for you. Treatment doesn’t stop at the plan itself—we’ll schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments, ensuring your ADHD treatment truly supports you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Depression Evaluation
When you’re dealing with depression, taking that first step to reach out is a big deal.
It’s a courageous move, and we want you to know that help is available.
Our depression therapy process is designed to understand your experience fully so we can create a treatment plan that actually makes a difference in your life.
Here’s how it goes:
- Symptom Discussion: Changes in mood, motivation, and sleep are often indicators.
- Rating Scales: Tools like the PHQ-9 help assess depression severity.
- Medical Review: A look at family history or past mental health issues.
- Physical Health Check: Blood work helps identify any underlying issues.
- Daily Life Impact: We’ll see how depression is affecting relationships or work.
Let’s go over what each step in a depression evaluation involves, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Symptom Assessment
In our first session, we’ll dive into the main challenges you’re facing.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is mainly about attention issues and impulse control. During an ADHD evaluation, I’ll focus on signs like:
- Difficulty paying attention – you might find it hard to stay focused, especially if something doesn’t interest you.
- Impulsiveness – acting quickly without thinking, like blurting things out or interrupting.
- Hyperactivity – things like fidgeting, restlessness, or feeling like you’re constantly “on the go.”
We might ask about your experiences at school or work, even as a kid, since ADHD often shows up early. We’ll also look at behavior patterns over time to get the full picture.
Share whatever examples come to mind so we can understand how these symptoms show up in your daily life—both the big and small moments.
Step 2: Symptom Rating Scales and Computerized Testing
To get a clear, objective picture of your symptoms, we’ll use ADHD rating scales and a computerized test. The rating scales help capture the intensity and frequency of symptoms, while the computer test is designed to measure your attention span and impulse control.
Don’t worry—this is all part of building a tailored plan, so just focus on answering honestly.
Step 3: Reviewing Medical, Family, and Psychiatric History
We’ll review your medical and mental health history to get a fuller picture.
ADHD can sometimes run in families, so if there’s a history of it among family members, that’s important for us to know. This step helps us identify if there are any other factors or conditions contributing to the symptoms, ensuring our approach is as accurate as possible.
Step 4: Blood Work and EKG (if needed)
In some cases, blood tests can help rule out other issues—like thyroid conditions—that might mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms. If stimulant medications become a treatment option, we may recommend an EKG to confirm that everything is in good shape heart-wise. This step is just about ensuring that we consider every aspect of your health in the treatment process.
Step 5: Assessing Daily Impact
ADHD can affect all areas of life—whether it’s keeping up at work or managing relationships.
We’ll talk about how your symptoms impact daily life to help us shape a treatment plan that truly fits you. This conversation goes beyond the checklist; it’s about understanding your unique experience with ADHD.
Step 6: Treatment Plan and Follow-Up
Once we’ve completed the evaluation, we’ll discuss a treatment plan that could include lifestyle adjustments, behavioral strategies, or medication if it’s right for you. Treatment doesn’t stop at the plan itself—we’ll schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments, ensuring your ADHD treatment truly supports you.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic?
Empathy, Expertise, and Personalized Care for Your Mental Health
At Empathy Health Clinic, we believe that understanding your unique experiences is key to effective mental health care. Our approach is both compassionate and evidence-based, blending the latest in psychiatric evaluation methods.
All with genuine care. We take the time to listen, learn, and tailor each evaluation and treatment plan to fit your individual needs and goals.
With a team of dedicated professionals, you’ll find a supportive environment designed to help you feel understood, empowered, and on the path to improved well-being.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Understanding yourself is the first step toward meaningful change. Our Psychiatric Evaluation can provide the insights you need to start your journey toward better mental health. Begin today with Empathy Health Clinic.
