A Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation is a face-to-face evaluation completed by a licensed behavioral health professional to help develop an appropriate treatment plan as well as identify the types of therapies that will be treat the symptoms or issues identified.

The clinician will meet with you, and if it applies, your guardian. The clinician will conduct a clinical interview, or ask a lot of questions, to find out if there are any mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance use concerns. The clinician will gather information from you about different areas of your life including:

• The reason for the evaluation
• Medical or mental health history
• Substance use history
• Education and employment
• Social history

Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation clinical interviews usually take one to two hours to complete. A written report is created following the clinical interview. It outlines what services, programs or activities are recommended to help you to be as healthy as possible.

Evaluations are required by most insurance companies before you can start receiving psychotherapy services. The cost of the assessment is determined by your insurance.

Independent Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluations are often started when a referral is made from an individual or organization needing clinical information about you. I have completed evaluations for individuals seeking admission or re-admission into a military branch or for children to be able to go back to school following a suspension or mental health crisis.

Whatever need you have for an Independent Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation, I will provide you a very thorough clinical interview followed by a comprehensive report.