Psychiatric Evaluations
A Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment to Help You Find the Right Treatment
Taking the first step toward getting help can feel overwhelming. A psychiatric evaluation provides a thorough understanding of your emotional, behavioral, and mental health so your provider can recommend the treatment plan that’s right for you.
At Indiana Health Group, psychiatric evaluations are performed by experienced psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners for children, adolescents, and adults. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, or another mental health concern, a comprehensive evaluation is often the first step toward feeling better.
Appointments are available in our Carmel office and through secure telehealth for patients located anywhere in Indiana.
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive medical assessment of your mental and emotional health. Unlike a brief screening or online questionnaire, this appointment allows your provider to understand the complete picture of your symptoms, medical history, and personal experiences before making recommendations.
The goal is to determine whether a mental health condition may be present, understand how your symptoms are affecting daily life, and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?
Your provider will spend time getting to know you and discussing concerns in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Your evaluation may include:
- Current symptoms and concerns
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Family mental health history
- Current medications
- Previous treatments and therapies
- Sleep patterns
- Mood and emotions
- Anxiety and stress levels
- Attention and concentration
- Substance use history
- School or work functioning
- Relationships and family dynamics
- Lifestyle factors
- Safety concerns when appropriate
Every evaluation is individualized, and your provider will ask questions based on your specific concerns.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
Psychiatric evaluations can help identify many mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Trauma & PTSD
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
- Substance Use Disorders
- Adjustment Disorders
- Mood Disorders
Learn more about our Conditions We Treat →
After Your Evaluation
Once your evaluation is complete, your provider will discuss their findings and recommendations.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Medication Management
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Psychological Testing
- Neuropsychological Testing
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Referrals to specialized services when appropriate
Not every patient requires medication. Your provider will discuss all appropriate treatment options and work with you to determine the approach that best fits your goals.
Psychiatric Evaluation vs. Psychological Evaluation
Although the names sound similar, these evaluations serve different purposes.
| Psychiatric Evaluation | Psychological Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Performed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner | Performed by a psychologist |
| Focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning | Focuses on cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or personality testing |
| May include medication recommendations | Does not include medication prescribing |
| Usually completed during a clinical interview | Often includes standardized testing over several hours |
Learn more about our Psychological Testing Services →
Do I Need a Psychiatric Evaluation?
You may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent anxiety
- Depression or loss of interest
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- ADHD symptoms
- Problems sleeping
- Increased stress or burnout
- Emotional changes
- Behavioral concerns
- Changes in thinking or perception
- Concerns raised by family members, teachers, or physicians
Even if you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, an evaluation can help identify the next best step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a psychiatric evaluation take?
Appointment length varies depending on your symptoms, history, and individual needs. Your provider will take the time necessary to complete a thorough assessment and answer your questions.
Will I receive a diagnosis during my first appointment?
Many patients receive an initial diagnosis during their evaluation. However, some situations require additional appointments, medical records, psychological testing, or ongoing observation before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
Will I be prescribed medication?
Not necessarily. Medication is recommended only when your provider believes it is clinically appropriate. Some patients benefit from therapy alone, while others may benefit from a combination of psychotherapy and medication management.
Can children have psychiatric evaluations?
Yes. Indiana Health Group provides psychiatric evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. The evaluation is tailored to each patient’s developmental stage and individual concerns.
Can psychiatric evaluations be completed through telehealth?
Many psychiatric evaluations can be completed through secure telehealth for patients who are physically located in Indiana. Your scheduling coordinator can help determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your situation.
Why Choose Indiana Health Group?
For nearly four decades, Indiana Health Group has provided compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for individuals and families throughout Indiana.
Our team offers:
- Experienced psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Local providers serving patients throughout Indiana
- In-person appointments in Carmel
- Secure telehealth statewide
- Collaborative care with therapists and psychologists
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Medication management when appropriate
- Psychological testing referrals when indicated
Because all of our services are available within one collaborative practice, your care can be coordinated when multiple treatment approaches are recommended.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re seeking therapy, medication management, or psychological testing, our team is here to help.