What Are Mental Health Assessments?
Mental health assessments are evaluations conducted by mental health professionals to assess a person’s mental health, diagnose any mental health conditions, and develop treatment plans. They involve gathering information from the individual, talking to family and friends, and conducting physical and psychological tests. This assessment helps to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate care for their individual needs.
At Atlanta Treatment Center, a mental health assessment is more than a process of gathering information about a person’s mental health status and history in order to make a diagnosis or develop a treatment plan.
It is the beginning of a journey towards healing.The assessment may include a variety of tools, such as interviews, psychological tests, and physical exams. One of our trained and experienced mental health clinicians can help identify any mental health issues you may have, determine what type of treatment would be best, and make sure that any medications prescribed are safe and effective.
Some mental disorders an evaluation may help diagnose includes:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse and addictive disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
- Changes in mood – feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
- Changes in behavior – withdrawal from activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Changes in thinking – racing thoughts, difficulty making decisions, and difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Low self-esteem and self-critical thinking
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Physical symptoms – headaches, digestive issues, fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
- Substance abuse or misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Difficulty managing emotions and reacting to situations inappropriately
How to Prepare for a Mental Health Evaluation
- Write down your thoughts and feelings. Before going into your evaluation, take some time to reflect on how you are feeling. Write down any questions you have, any issues or concerns you want to discuss, and a list of any symptoms you are experiencing. This can help you stay focused during the evaluation and provide the mental health professional with valuable information.
- Bring a list of questions. Think of any questions you have about your mental health or the evaluation process and bring them with you. This will help you get the most out of your evaluation and provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your care.
- Be honest. Mental health evaluations are meant to help you get the care you need. Therefore, it is important to be honest and open with the mental health professional during the evaluation. This will help ensure that you get the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan possible.
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Choose a comfortable setting. Make sure that you choose a setting where
The initial assessment may be followed by additional, more specific testing. These assessments are typically done to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Atlanta Treatment Center trained clinicians can perform necessary assessments tailored to your needs. The goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition and to determine the best treatment plan. We have experienced clinicians ready to work with you on an individualized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact us today 404-333-8301.
