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
Types of Testing
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.
Neuropsychological Testing
We use Computerized Neurocognitive Screening to provide an objective report on cognitive functioning and performance (Memory, Attention, Processing Speed, Working Memory, etc.).
Psychological
Testing
We use the Millon Clinical Inventory (MCMI-IV) to provide information on personality traits and common psychiatric disorders. Other tests provide critical information used for diagnosis & treatment planning.
Electroencephalo-gram (EEG) Testing
EEG testing measures brain wave activity during alert /drowsy states to evaluate cognitive/memory deficits, attention, inattention disorders, traumatic brain injury, and personalize rTMS treatments.
What to expect after your Psychiatric Evaluation
Following an evaluation, your provider will determine the best diagnosis for your symptoms. They will go over your diagnosis with you and what you can expect in the coming weeks, months, and years. They will also create a treatment plan tailored to your specific requirements. Typically, the treatment plan will include a combination of medication, referral for psychotherapy, 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.