Being asked to complete a mental health assessment can bring up a lot of questions, and sometimes a little worry. Some people seek one on their own because of changes in how they think, feel, or behave. Others are asked to complete one because of a court order. Either way, knowing what the process involves makes it far easier to walk in prepared and confident.
This guide covers who conducts a mental health assessment, what it can diagnose, which signs may point to the need for one, and how to get ready. For more about the service itself, you can visit the AACS Counseling.
What Is a Mental Health Assessment?
A mental health assessment, also called a mental health evaluation, is completed by a doctor, counselor, or psychologist. The goal is to identify a mental health disorder or to confirm that there is none. There are many reasons a person may need one, from a court order to the wide range of mental health conditions that can appear at any point in a lifetime.
A good assessment helps explain why a person thinks, acts, feels, and remembers the way they do. It can also show whether someone has a co-occurring disorder, such as depression together with a substance use disorder. In addition, it can help determine whether a mental health concern is actually coming from a physical problem, such as a traumatic brain injury or a thyroid issue.
Who Can Conduct a Mental Health Assessment?
Several qualified professionals can complete a mental health evaluation. Each has a different scope of training and practice:
- Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders and are qualified to prescribe medication.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers can diagnose because of their master’s degrees and mental health training. They cannot prescribe medication, but they can work with providers who can.
- Psychologists hold doctoral degrees that allow them to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Because the degree is not medical, they generally cannot prescribe medication, although some psychologists hold special licensing that allows it.
- Licensed Professional Counselors can diagnose and treat mental health disorders but cannot prescribe medication. Many work closely with professionals who can.
What Can a Mental Health Assessment Diagnose?
A mental health evaluation can identify a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
- Mood disorders, such as depression
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia
- Anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorder, such as drug and alcohol abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Letting Go of the Stigma
Some people feel judged or embarrassed about needing an evaluation. That feeling does not need to follow you into the room. An assessment can identify a disorder, but it can just as easily find that there is no diagnosis at all. Evaluations are completed for all kinds of people, and being asked to complete one does not mean something is wrong with you. In most cases, the person requesting it simply wants the most accurate and comprehensive picture possible.
Signs and Symptoms That May Call for an Evaluation
Certain changes may be a reason to consider a mental health evaluation, especially if they are sudden, long-lasting, or hard to explain:
- Sudden changes in daily routine at work, school, or home
- Unusual behaviors
- Increased anxiety, paranoia, or fear of friends and co-workers
- Sudden and long-term mood changes
- Withdrawal from, or loss of interest in, activities that were once engaging
- Apathy toward life or loss of desire
- A sudden belief in magical powers or an increase in personal power
- Feelings of disconnection from surroundings, oneself, or others
- Heightened sensitivity to sound, taste, touch, or sight
- Increases or decreases in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty remembering or trouble with simple mental tasks
Tests Used in an Evaluation
AACS Counseling uses a variety of evidence-based tests to help evaluators reach an accurate diagnosis. These include:
- Beck Anxiety Inventory
- Beck Depression Inventory
- Brief Mood Survey
- Columbia Suicide Severity Score
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
How to Prepare for Your Evaluation
A little preparation can make the appointment smoother and help you receive your evaluation sooner. It helps to have the following information ready:
- Prescription medications and any prior diagnoses
- Legal history
- How often and for how long symptoms occur
- Any thoughts or behaviors that you find troubling or concerning
- Events or situations that make symptoms worse
- Changes in diet or weight
- Sleep irregularities
- Difficulties with thinking or cognition
- Irrational thinking or catastrophizing
Also be sure to set aside enough time. Evaluations typically last from one hour to an hour and a half. Fill out your intake forms truthfully and completely, because having your paperwork finished before the appointment is the key to receiving your copy soon after you finish.
Questions to Ask Your Evaluator
A mental health evaluation is done to determine what recommendations may help your particular situation. Ask your evaluator to explain exactly what is expected of you so there is no confusion moving forward. Evaluations also typically have an expiration date, so ask about this as well. If your evaluation expires, you will need a new one to complete whatever recommendation you received.
Take the First Step
Finally, take a deep breath and relax. The purpose of an evaluation is to help you move forward, not to judge you. If you are ready to schedule, call AACS Counseling at 800-683-7745 or visit the AACS Counseling to get started.
Ready to book? Schedule your Mental Health Assessment with AACS Counseling today.
