Especially during stressful times like a COVID-19 pandemic or an economic recession, daily life stressors and uncertainty can start to wear on your mental health, and make you wonder whether you need treatment. You may find yourself anxious, mentally fatigued, sad, or depressed. You might notice issues like trouble sleeping, anger and aggression, or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Many people have the misconception that a mental health evaluation only serves to diagnose specific mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and depression. In reality, you may benefit from an evaluation at Positive Reset Eatontown or another qualified psychotherapy practice if you have any mental health concerns causing you distress.
You can find a mental health center that meets your needs by searching “mental health evaluation near me” online.
What is the purpose of a mental health evaluation?
The primary purpose of a mental health evaluation is to assess where you are struggling and how psychotherapy might help you move past your mental health concerns and thrive. Depending on the center, intake might include an evaluation to help assign the best fit therapist at the practice for your specific mental health goals. You might begin working with a therapist to set up goals for therapy during the evaluation.
While it’s true that mental health evaluations can serve the important function of helping to identify patterns that might indicate an underlying mental health disorder, most practices are slow to diagnose a specific condition. If you feel you could benefit from an evaluation of your mental health concerns and goals, searching “mental health evaluation near me” will get you started.
What happens during a mental health evaluation?
During a mental health evaluation, you might be asked to fill out a questionnaire that includes basic demographic information, how you identify, and questions about your lifestyle and employment. You may also answer questions about your goals for therapy, any past traumas, and previous mental health care. The therapist might ask you to fill out a battery of diagnostic assessments. These include answering scales from 1-5 about your mood, behaviors, and coping skills.
After you fill out the forms, a therapist will schedule an intake session with you. This session may be longer than a regular psychotherapy session and will normally include going over the forms and asking questions about your mental health concerns, current stressors, and goals for therapy.
Search “Mental Health Evaluation Near Me” to Get Started
When you search for a “mental health evaluation near me,” be sure to read the credentials and biographies of the individual therapists working at the practice. You will find that many therapists specialize in specific psychotherapy treatments or specialize in the treatment of specific populations or mental health concerns.
By doing your homework upfront, you increase the chances of finding a good fit with your therapist. A mental health evaluation is the first step to learning new ways to cope with stressors and improve your mental health. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by learning how psychotherapy can help you reach your specific goals through an evaluation.
