Mental Health Evaluation

What is a mental health evaluation?

A mental health evaluation is an essential first step in identifying and addressing psychological concerns. This assessment occurs during your initial visit to Empower You Mental Health & Wellness when seeking help for symptoms that may indicate a mental health condition. These conditions include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression (major depressive disorder)
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Eating disorders

Because many mental health conditions share similar symptoms, an evaluation helps Candice determine the root cause of your difficulties.

For instance, anxiety can be a symptom of PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or eating disorders. Additionally, it’s common for individuals to experience multiple conditions simultaneously, such as depression alongside anxiety or substance use disorder.

A comprehensive evaluation allows Candice to gain a deeper understanding of your mental well-being and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What happens during a mental health evaluation?

Before your evaluation, you may need to complete questionnaires or assessments designed to measure symptoms like mood changes, anxiety, or depression.

Candice reviews your medical and mental health history to gain insight into your background. During the session, she asks about your home life, work, and relationships and explores any family history of mental health conditions.

She also assesses your lifestyle, stress levels, and coping strategies while discussing the symptoms you experience and their impact on your daily life.

In some cases, Candice may order lab tests to check for underlying physical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders, which can contribute to mood fluctuations.

What comes after a mental health evaluation?

Following your evaluation, Candice provides a diagnosis and recommends a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include:

• Medication to help regulate symptoms
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address emotional challenges
• Lifestyle modifications like better nutrition, regular exercise, and improved sleep habits
• Relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Stress management strategies to enhance daily functioning

For many individuals, talk therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, offering a supportive space to process emotions and build healthier thought patterns.

If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a mental health evaluation with Empower You Mental Health & Wellness today. You can also connect by completing the online inquiry form.