How to Prepare for Your Psychiatric Evaluation

Seeking help for your mental health is a meaningful and courageous step. However, many feel a bit nervous or unsure about what to expect.

Understanding the purpose of the evaluation and what to expect during the consultation can help you feel more at ease and confident about the process.

To help, we asked our experts at VP MindCare to explain the purpose of psychiatric evaluations, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Understanding the goal of psychiatric evaluations

A psychiatric evaluation is a structured, in-depth appointment with a mental health professional with the purpose of uncovering the cause of your symptoms. We ask questions about your current concerns, emotional experiences, medical history, and lifestyle factors. 

We may also explore your personal history, family history of mental health conditions, and any past treatments you have tried.

It’s important to note that a single appointment is not always sufficient for a diagnosis. We may offer you a provisional diagnosis and a plan of care based on it, and follow up with you over time to check in on how you feel and any new symptoms.

Preparing for your psychiatric evaluation

Brain chemistry is complex, making it very important for your provider to have as much data as possible on factors that could impact your brain function. This includes ruling out medical conditions and substances that may contribute to your concerns. To your psychiatric evaluation, it’s helpful to bring a list of the following:

• Current medications (including dosage and frequency)
• Vitamins and supplements
• Past psychiatric diagnoses
• Any medical conditions

Even over-the-counter supplements can impact your well-being. For example, taking a high dose of collagen supplements without taking tryptophan can lead to tryptophan depletion, which in turn can lead to depressed moods in some people.

Reflect on your symptoms and goals

Before your evaluation, write down what symptoms bother you most, when the symptoms began, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse.

Having a clear understanding of your goals is also important, as it can guide the course of treatment if treatment is necessary. It can be helpful to ask yourself what symptoms you hope will change.

Learn more about psychiatric evaluations

If you’ve been feeling down or anxious, a psychiatric evaluation is a step toward clarity and knowing what you can do next. Whether it’s removing a supplement you are taking, getting some blood tests to look for deficiencies, or getting support in counseling, evaluations can leave you feeling informed and empowered.

If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms, contact us to schedule an evaluation appointment at one of our offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lexington, Kentucky. Our empathetic team provides all the details and outlines what to expect.