What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a thorough clinical assessment to understand your mental health, establish an accurate diagnosis, and create a treatment plan that works for your life. It is not a therapy session. We are looking at your symptoms from a medical perspective -- what is happening, why, and how to treat it.
Many people spend years dealing with symptoms without a clear diagnosis. They know something is wrong but do not have a name for it. An evaluation gives you that clarity and a path forward.
What We Evaluate
We assess for a wide range of conditions: ADHD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, PMDD, insomnia, and others. We review your medications, medical history, family history, and daily function to build a complete picture.
It is common for patients to discover they have something different -- or something in addition -- to what they expected. That is exactly why a proper evaluation matters.
What to Expect
Your first visit is about 45-60 minutes. We ask detailed questions about your symptoms, history, and goals. Come with a photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications. Records from other providers are welcome but not necessary.
By the end of your visit, you will have a clear understanding of your diagnosis and a treatment plan. We do not make you wait weeks for answers.
Insurance and Payment
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by most insurance. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and AHCCCS. Cash pay is an option as well.
When to Schedule
If you are struggling with your mood, focus, sleep, energy, or ability to function and you do not know why -- that is exactly what an evaluation is for. If a medication from your primary care doctor is not working -- a psychiatric specialist can dig deeper. You do not need a referral. Just reach out.
Related Conditions We Treat
PTSD Evaluation
Trauma changes how your brain processes the world. If you are dealing with flashbacks, trouble sleeping, feeling on edge all the time, or avoiding places and people that bring back memories -- you do not have to carry that alone. Our providers across the Tucson metro and all of Arizona create a safe space to talk about what you are going through and find a way forward.
Medication can help take the edge off PTSD symptoms. SSRIs are the most common starting point -- they help with the anxiety, the mood changes, and the intrusive memories. If nightmares are a big part of your experience, we may also use prazosin to help you get real rest. We move at your pace and check in often.
Healing from trauma is not a straight line, and we understand that. Our approach is steady follow-up and honest check-ins. We adjust your treatment as things change, celebrate the wins, and stay by your side through the harder days.
Bipolar Disorder Assessment
If you have been treated for depression but nothing seems to work -- or if you notice times when your mood swings the other direction into unusual energy, big ideas, or risky choices -- bipolar disorder may be the missing piece. Our providers across the Tucson metro and all of Arizona take the time to understand your full story, not just a snapshot.
A good bipolar evaluation looks at your entire mood history. We ask about the highs and the lows, how long they last, what triggers them, and how they affect your relationships and daily life. Many people do not realize their "good days" are actually hypomanic episodes until someone asks the right questions.
Treatment for bipolar disorder is different from treating depression alone. Mood stabilizers are the foundation, and getting started on the right one early makes a real difference. We walk through your options together and check in regularly to make sure you are feeling stable and supported.
