Mental illnesses are common in the United States and affect people from all walks of life. It’s estimated that around 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, ranging from mild anxiety or depression to more serious and debilitating challenges. If you’re close to someone who’s struggling with their mental health, it’s normal to have questions about the diagnostic process. A mental evaluation is the first step toward getting help. But what is a mental evaluation? What happens during the tests, and how are the results used for diagnosis? We’re here to answer those questions and more in this concise guide.
What Is a Mental Evaluation?
A psychological or mental evaluation is a series of tests performed by a psychologist to help diagnose a mental health condition or other illness that might impact a person’s memory and thought processes.
When most people think of psych evaluations, they think of tests for anxiety, depression, personality disorders and other similar mental health difficulties. However, these tests can also be used to identify substance use disorder or even Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The Purpose and Importance of Psych Evaluations
If you’re asking questions like “What is a psych evaluation?” that probably means you think that you, or someone close to you, might benefit from some mental health support. Psych evaluations are intended to determine your mental health status and highlight any issues that might require treatment.
Think of a psych evaluation like a physical checkup that covers the personal and social aspects of your mental health. A psychologist will work through a list of tests to determine if there are any potential issues that require investigation. If they identify any, they might refer you for more support.
Key Components of a Psychological Assessment
Each clinic might handle the process differently, but in general, if you request a psych evaluation, you can expect to go through one or more of these assessments:
- A clinical interview. This process involves a series of questions, which may be specific or open-ended, to evaluate your mental health.
- IQ testing. Some psychologists use IQ tests to measure cognitive functioning.
- Behavioral assessments. Evaluations of children and adolescents often include a behavioral assessment, but this is less commonly used to assess adults.
- Personality assessments. The five-factor model personality test is sometimes used to learn more about a person as a part of the assessment process.
Not all psychologists use all of these tests, and the type of tests chosen may vary even within the same clinic. Most assessments will include a clinical interview, and depending on the answers you give during that part of the assessment, the psychologist might choose to focus on specific tests to diagnose or rule out certain conditions.
What to Expect During the Process
Psych evaluations vary in format and duration. You can usually expect to have to fill out a questionnaire or survey at the start of the process and to sit down for a chat with a psychologist. In some cases, you might be asked to take a physical exam, especially if you’ve reported having symptoms such as low mood or poor energy levels because certain physical conditions can cause similar symptoms.
You might be asked to take a urine test or have some blood tests done to rule out physical issues or the possibility of any symptoms being side effects of medications. If you do indulge in drugs or alcohol, it’s a good idea to disclose this so the psychologist can give you the support you need.
Binge drinking is a common thing in the United States, with an estimated one-quarter of people over the age of 18 having engaged in binge drinking in the last month. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of depression and panic disorder, so it’s helpful for the specialists providing treatment to be aware of such risks.
Once the physical tests are completed, you’ll be asked about your mental health history, personal history and interpersonal relationships. This is intended to give insight into your background so the psychologist can understand more about the symptoms you’re experiencing and the challenges you face.
The process could take as little as 20 minutes or as long as 90 minutes, and it may feel challenging to talk about your thoughts and feelings. You can also ask questions and provide feedback on how you’re feeling.
How Results Are Used for Diagnosis and Treatment
The results of a psych evaluation will be used to determine whether further tests are necessary and to help the psychologist diagnose or rule out any mental health disorders. Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, a psychologist might suggest further therapy sessions, medication, outpatient rehab or other long-term treatments.
There isn’t one single test that can be used to diagnose or rule out certain mental health challenges, so a psychologist might not have an answer after one session. However, if an individual engages openly with a psych evaluation, their psychologist will have a good starting point from which to recommend further treatment.
A Psych Evaluation Is the First Step Toward Recovery
The idea of having a psych evaluation can seem intimidating at first, but psychologists are there to listen, evaluate and help. If you’re struggling with your mental health or concerned that someone else might be having a mental health crisis, consult the Mental Health Hotline today. Explore our extensive list of resources, or call us now to be connected with appropriate care options in your local area.
