Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a clinical interview that takes place during the initial visit with a psychiatrist or mental health care professional. The goal is to learn about your history, develop a psychiatric diagnoses, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
"It's the first step in getting psychiatric care and getting you or your loved one on the path to wellness."
Our providers, Alfredo Arellano & Eduardo Mariscal, are experienced mental health nurse practitioners who conduct psychiatric evaluations for adolescents, adults, and older adults here in El Paso, Fort Bliss, and the surrounding area.
What to expect during a Psychiatric Evaluation
During the evaluation our providers will ask you a series of questions and explore your personal situation. They will make sure that physical medical conditions are not the root cause of your psychiatric symptoms. The interview will help your provider understand why you’ve decided to come in, what symptoms you’ve been experiencing, your past experiences, and develop a plan to address your mental health concerns. A typical psychiatric evaluation session may last 60 to 90 minutes. However, the duration varies from person to person. Our providers will ask about many different areas of your life. Below are some common areas that they evaluate.
Common Areas of Evaluation
Biological
- Physical Health
- Disabilities
- Medical Conditions
- Current Medications
- Family Medical History
- Addictions / Substance Use
Psychological
- Behaviors and Beliefs
- Emotions and Mood
- Cognitive Functioning
- Personality
- Coping Skills
- Life Events
Social
- Peer and Family Relationships
- Family Circumstances
- Cultural Traditions
- Social Support
- Education
Sometimes neuropsychological, psychological, or EEG testing may be required, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. Your provider will schedule you for the necessary testing during your evaluation. These tests help them better diagnose any conditions, create a treatment plan, and monitor treatment response.
What to expect after your Psychiatric Evaluation
Following an evaluation, your provider will discuss your diagnoses and treatment options. They will also create a treatment plan tailored to your specific requirements. Typically, the treatment plan may include a combination of additional diagnostic testing (Personality, EEG brain mapping, cognitive functioning), medication management, referral for psychotherapy, Spravato (Es-ketamine), and/or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Your provider will then schedule you for a follow up appointment. In many cases, with prescribed medications our providers will conduct medication management appointments in order to see how you respond to medications and doses.
Understanding Your Insurance's Coverage
Some insurance providers offer coverage for a psychiatric evaluation. Our team will work closely with your health insurance benefits, manage any necessary pre-authorizations, and ensure you are fully informed about your coverage and costs prior to your appointment.
