I'm Nervous About My Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation: What Can I Expect?

Getting evaluated for mental health care needs might sound scary. What if you don’t do well on the evaluation? Could trick questions put you in a bad position?

The truth is, you don’t need to be nervous about getting a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation. Dr. Ronald Winfield and the team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, use this process to support your mental health.

In a professional psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, there are no wrong answers, because any answer creates a real pathway forward for you and your mental and emotional wellness. The goal of the process is to better understand and support your mental health needs, so that you can live a fuller, happier, more balanced life.

Opting for psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

Why might you choose to get evaluated for a psychiatric diagnosis? At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, we see adult patients 18+ who can benefit from this type of evaluation.

If you’re experiencing mental, emotional, or psychological distress, psychiatric diagnostic evaluation clarifies your needs, and the right treatment plan to restore your balance, energy, and overall wellness.

You might have been dealing with challenging mental health symptoms like low mood, reduced energy, emotional swings, or sleep disruptions for some time. Or, maybe acute symptoms like those of major depressive disorder only recently started to intrude on your quality of life.

Deciding to get psychiatric help is a sign of strength. Be proud of yourself for deciding to pursue psychiatric diagnostic evaluation when your mental health declines.

What happens at a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

Your provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates centers you during your evaluation appointment, providing nonjudgmental support while learning more about your mental health care symptoms and needs.

To create a full and accurate image of your mental health, your provider discusses your medical history, and that of your family, as well as your mental status and psychological, physical, and social condition. Your provider takes all of these factors into account when making your diagnosis.

Then, it’s time to consider the right mental health treatment plan for you. Our team of expert clinicians provides patients with recommendations for therapies including talk therapy and medication management.

The benefits of professional psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

Individualized mental health support means you get the care you need when you need it most. Your evaluation appointment includes customizing your personal treatment plan. Your provider ensures that you understand your diagnosis and treatment, and that you’re onboard and well-informed about your mental health care.

If there are decisions you need to make regarding your treatment, your provider fully reviews all of your options with you, making sure you understand all the pros and cons, as well as potential risks and side effects.

We prescribe medications as indicated by your treatment plan. We also partner with your primary care physician (PCP) and other specialists to give you smooth, integrated physical and mental health care.

For a comprehensive, compassionate, and supportive psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, contact Dr. Winfield and the Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates team. Schedule your initial consultation online or over the phone today.