Psychiatric Evaluations

Our comprehensive psychiatric evaluation reviews your emotional, behavioral, and psychological health, provides potential diagnoses, and creates a personalized treatment plan.

Psychiatric Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive, one-on-one assessment used to understand your mental health and create a personalized plan for care. It’s led by a licensed psychiatric provider (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) and explores your symptoms, medical history, and the social factors that shape your well-being.

We practice a biopsychosocial approach—meaning we consider your biology, psychology, and environment—so you feel heard, not rushed.

What a Psychiatric Evaluation Includes

Clinical Interview
A guided conversation about your concerns, history, strengths, goals, and what support you’re seeking.

Mental Status Examination (MSE)
A structured look at mood, thought processes, behavior, attention, memory, and insight.

Medical & Medication Review
Past and current conditions, medications/supplements, allergies, and relevant family history.

Psychosocial Assessment
Stressors, social supports, relationships, work/school, sleep, substance use, and safety.

Screening & Diagnostic Tools
Standardized questionnaires or behavioral observations (for example, for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD).

Optional Testing (when indicated)
Basic labs (e.g., to rule out medical causes of symptoms) and, rarely, imaging if a medical issue is suspected.
For children/adolescents, we may recommend or review educational, speech-language, or psychological assessments.

Collateral Information (with your permission)
Input from family, teachers, or other clinicians can help clarify symptoms and functioning.

Why Evaluations Matter

What to Expect

Who May Benefit

Adolescents, and adults experiencing changes in mood, anxiety, attention, sleep, behavior, learning, substance use, work/school performance, relationships, or safety concerns. If you or someone you care about is struggling in these areas, an evaluation can help.

Comprehensive Evaluations

Every evaluation is individualized, but may include:

  • Behavior & Symptom Description (what happens, how often, how long, and in what situations)
  • Impact on Life (work/school performance; relationships with family, spouse/partner, coworkers; daily activities)
  • Psychiatric Interview and Personal/Family History (emotional, behavioral, developmental)
  • Complete Medical History and current treatments
  • Labs/Imaging (as needed) to rule out medical contributors
  • Educational / Speech-Language / Psychological Testing (as needed or in collaboration with schools/specialists)

 

For families & caregivers: It’s common to worry or feel unsure. We’ll answer questions, offer guidance, and partner with you on short- and long-term goals. Your involvement can be key to successful treatment.

Our Care at Vivabest Psychiatry PLLC

Psychiatric Evaluation vs. Therapy

Psychiatry is medical care for mental health conditions. It focuses on evaluating symptoms, making a diagnosis, and—when appropriate—prescribing and managing medications. Many patients notice relief within days to weeks, though timing varies.

Therapy (Psychotherapy) is a structured, ongoing conversation with a licensed therapist to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; build coping skills; and address patterns over time.

At Vivabest Psychiatry PLLC, your follow-ups may include brief, targeted psychotherapy interventions as part of holistic care. If you want weekly or longer-form therapy, we’ll provide trusted referrals. Many people benefit from both medication management and therapy; we’ll help you decide what fits your needs.

FAQs

Will I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. We use shared decision-making. Medication is one tool among many.

Can my family be involved?
With your consent, yes—family insights can improve understanding and support.

Is my information private?
Yes. We follow all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and standards.

Ready to take the next step?

An evaluation is the starting point to feeling better—and feeling like yourself again. We’ll walk you through your options, help schedule follow-ups, and adjust your plan as you progress.

Benefits of Psychiatric Evaluations

Accessibility

Receive expert mental health care regardless of your location.

Convenience

Schedule appointments that fit your lifestyle and access care from your preferred space.

Privacy

Enjoy discreet, secure sessions through encrypted technology to protect your confidentiality.

Continuity of Care

Stay connected with your provider for consistent and uninterrupted support.

Access Expert Mental Health Care Anywhere, Anytime

Experience the convenience of telepsychiatry. Connect with licensed professionals for personalized evaluations, therapy, and medication management—all from the comfort of your space.