A psychiatric evaluation can be an incredibly useful tool for mental health providers. It can provide a way to assess a client's symptoms and functioning in a more objective manner. There are a few tactics that help ensure that a psychiatric evaluation is comprehensive and accurate. Here are a few ways a licensed provider can conduct an effective psychiatric evaluation. 

Asking the Right Questions

It is important to ask the right questions during a psychiatric evaluation to get an accurate picture of the client's mental health. The questions should be specific and focused on the client's current symptoms and functioning.

For example, say a client is reporting anxiety and depression. The provider might ask about the severity of the symptoms, how long the client has been experiencing them, and if they are having any difficulty functioning in daily life. Such specific questions can help the provider better understand the client's mental health and make more accurate diagnoses.

The questions should also be open-ended so that the client has the opportunity to provide detailed answers. For instance, instead of asking, "Do you have anxiety?" the provider might ask, "Can you tell me more about your experience with anxiety?" Open-ended questions allow the client to share as much or as little information as they feel comfortable with. They also give the provider more insight into the client's mental state.

Based on the answers provided, the provider can ask follow-up questions to get more information. For example, say a client reports that their anxiety is severe and interferes with their daily life. The provider might ask about specific situations that are difficult for the client or what they have tried in the past to manage their anxiety.

Asking the right questions is an important part of conducting a comprehensive and accurate psychiatric evaluation. By asking specific, open-ended questions and administering tests when necessary, mental health providers can better understand the client's mental health.

Conducting a Mental Status Exam

A mental status exam can be a helpful way to assess the client's current state of mind. This can include assessing their level of consciousness, orientation, mood, and thought processes.

The mental status exam can be used to diagnose mental health conditions. For example, say a client is reporting symptoms of depression. The provider might use the mental status exam to rule out other conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Additionally, the mental status exam can be used to assess the severity of symptoms. For instance, a client reporting suicidal ideation might be assessed for their level of risk. The mental status exam can help the provider understand the client's current mental state and make treatment recommendations.

While in-person psychiatric evaluations are the gold standard, licensed online providers can use the same tactics to conduct an effective psychiatric evaluation. By asking the right questions and conducting a mental status exam, online providers can get a comprehensive understanding of the client's mental health.

Contact a licensed online psychiatric evaluation provider to learn more about these services.