How to get a psychiatric evaluation?

You can schedule a psychiatric evaluation by contacting a mental health clinic or psychiatrist directly. Many clinics, including Clarity Clinic, offer in-person and online appointment options.

what is a mental health assessment

A mental health assessment is an evaluation that helps identify emotional, behavioral, or psychological concerns to guide treatment planning and diagnosis.

What to expect with a psychiatric evaluation?

Expect a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. Your provider will use this information to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment.

What kind of questions are on a psych evaluation?

You may be asked about your mood, sleep, appetite, relationships, stress levels, substance use, medical history, and any previous treatments.

What not to say in a mental evaluation

Be honest with your provider — there’s nothing you shouldn’t say. Accurate, open communication helps ensure you receive the best possible care.

How long does an initial evaluation usually last?

Most psychiatric evaluations last about 45–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your symptoms and history.

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Psychiatric Evaluation & Mental Health Testing

Our Initial Psychiatric Evaluation/ Mental Health Assessment is where we provide a crucial starting point for your mental well-being journey. At Clarity Clinic, we understand the importance of accurate mental health testing and diagnosis in developing effective treatment plans. Our team of experienced psychiatrists is dedicated to conducting thorough evaluations that lay the foundation for personalized and targeted treatments.

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What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation (psychiatric diagnostic evaluation) is a structured interview a psychiatrist or a certified physician assistant (PA-C) conducts to gather detailed information about a person's psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being. They are often needed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders.

Overall, the idea of a mental health test or mental health assessment is to get a complete picture of what symptoms are affecting you, any distress that may be present, and identify the next steps needed for your treatment plan. A psychiatric evaluation helps you determine which specific conditions are present and require attention.

How a Psychiatric Evaluation Helps Your Mental Health

An accurate mental health assessment is the cornerstone of effective mental health treatment. Our Initial Psychiatric Evaluations offer several advantages, including:

Accurate Diagnosis: Our experienced psychiatrists conduct in-depth mental health tests to accurately diagnose underlying mental health conditions.

Personalized Treatment: Based on the assessment results, we develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs and concerns.

Informed Decisions: The insights gained from the mental health evaluation empower you to make informed decisions about your mental health.

Effective Interventions: A precise diagnosis ensures that interventions are tailored to your specific condition, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Early Intervention: Addressing mental health concerns early can prevent them from worsening and enhance your overall well-being

What to Expect in a Psychiatric Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation typically lasts about an hour and is the first step in understanding your mental health needs. The goal is to get a full picture of your symptoms, history, and goals so your physiatrist can recommend the most effective course of treatment — whether that includes medication (pharmacotherapy), therapy, a combination of both, or additional options like TMS therapy or PHP/IOP programs.

During your evaluation, your psychiatrist, PA-C, or NP will guide a thoughtful, structured conversation about your mental and physical health. You can expect to discuss:

When your symptoms began and how they have changed over time
Past treatments you’ve tried and what has or hasn’t been helpful
Your current challenges and what kind of support you feel you need now
Any family history of psychiatric conditions
Medications, supplements, or substances you are currently using

Your provider may also ask about your sleep, appetite, mood, energy, and daily functioning to better understand how symptoms impact your life.

All of this information helps your Psychiatrist, PA-C, or NP make an accurate diagnosis and create the best possible treatment plan designed to meet your needs.

Psychiatric Evaluations at Clarity Clinic - Illinois

At Clarity Clinic, we offer a range of mental health evaluations to address various concerns:

Diagnostic Evaluation: Our diagnostic evaluations aim to accurately identify the underlying mental health condition that may be affecting you.
Medication Assessment: If medication is being considered, our evaluations help determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your needs.
Treatment Planning: We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and preferences.
Second Opinion: If you have previously received a diagnosis and would like a second opinion, our evaluations can provide a fresh perspective.
Complex Cases: For complex cases or treatment-resistant conditions, our evaluations offer insights to guide more targeted interventions.

What Happens After Your Psychiatric Evaluation

After your psychiatric evaluation, your provider will review the results and discuss their findings with you. Together, you’ll talk through next steps, which may include medication management, therapy, or a combination of treatments depending on your needs.
Our team takes a collaborative approach — your psychiatrist, therapists, and support staff work together to ensure that your care plan remains coordinated and flexible as your needs evolve.

Schedule Your Psychiatric Evaluation in Chicago

Starting your mental health journey begins with understanding what you’re experiencing. At Clarity Clinic, our experienced psychiatrists and psychiatric providers offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations in Chicago to help identify what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the best path forward.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mood-related concerns, our goal is to help you find clarity, stability, and lasting relief.
Schedule your online or in-person psychiatric evaluation near you today at one of our clinics (Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Evanston, or Arlington Heights) and take the first step toward feeling better.

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