What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is an assessment mental health professionals use to understand better more about who you are and what your mental health issues might be. You don’t have to be afraid of being evaluated; you’re not being judged, you are there to gain clarity on how your mental health your needs as a patient. If necessary, it will help you receive an accurate diagnosis. There are multiple reasons that you may be referred for an evaluation. Regardless of the reason, it is not a bad thing. Although the stigma surrounding mental illness may make an assessment seem scary, the results are designed to provide you with clarity and help your doctor develop a treatment plan.
What to expect
The goal of a psychological evaluation is to determine what your core mental health issues are and help you receive the highest quality of care. Knowing what your emotional challenges are is the first step to getting help. The results of a psych eval contribute to your path to wellness and it will allow you to lead your best life. When you go to a general practitioner for a checkup, you don’t necessarily go into their office assuming that there’s something wrong with you. Sometimes it’s great to go for your annual physical because it’s a confirmation that you’re in good health. A physical exam can also provide insightful information about your health. For example, you might get blood work done, and you discover that you have a vitamin B deficiency. Once you know this information, you’re able to get a vitamin B supplement and start feeling better. In the same way, a psychological evaluation isn’t a “bad” thing. A psychological evaluation can be a useful tool in understanding yourself, how you relate to others and gain insight into how to best maintain your relationships with family, friends and with your romantic partner.
Get an accurate diagnosis
Sometimes your therapist, social worker, general practitioner, or another professional will refer you for a psychological evaluation. The reason you are getting evaluated is likely to receive a proper mental health diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis from a psychiatrist will help your counselor provide you with the treatment you need. You now have the chance to develop the therapeutic techniques and skills that you need. For example, if you participate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, you will learn how to fight against negative thought patterns and manage anxiety and depression. However, you will know the best kind of therapy for your mental health issues. Once you find out what that is, you can seek a therapist who knows the best way to help you.
Determine what treatment is best for you
Getting a psychological evaluation can help a mental health professional determine what kind of treatment is best for you. There are many kinds of therapy, so it is essential to find out which one is the best for your needs. Everyone is different, so do not be afraid to try many forms of therapy before settling on one sort of treatment. It can take a couple of tries to find what works for you. However, once you figure out the kind of therapy you want to pursue, then you can seek out the right counselor who practices it.
Request an evaluation
In addition to being referred for a psych eval, you can request a psychological evaluation for yourself. If you seek an evaluation, it’s honored the majority of the time. Asking for a psychological assessment shows strength and bravery. It demonstrates that you are invested in your mental health and overall well-being. You’re taking control of your mental health, and the first step to that is getting evaluated.
So, what happens after the evaluation?
Now that you know some of the reasons to receive a psychological evaluation let’s talk about what happens after the assessment. A psychological evaluation will help your counselor and other members of your treatment team determine how they can help you. It will also give you insight into what you need as a patient. Luckily, there are a ton of options for therapy both in person and online.
Psychological evaluation leads to better mental health
Regardless of how you got to the point of evaluation, you are now going to receive treatment for mental health and therapy has countless benefits. Regardless of the outcome of your assessment, it is very likely that treatment will benefit you.
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