What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured clinical assessment conducted by a psychiatric provider. The objective is to establish an accurate diagnosis -- whether that is ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or another condition -- and develop an evidence-based treatment plan. It is the foundation of effective psychiatric care.
This is not a personality assessment or a wellness consultation. It is a clinical process grounded in diagnostic criteria, medical history, and pharmacological science.
What We Evaluate
We assess ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar I and II, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, PMDD, and related conditions. We work with adults and teens 15 and older. Many patients present with overlapping symptoms -- anxiety that looks like ADHD, or depression masking an underlying bipolar pattern. Sorting that out accurately is what we do.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The initial evaluation takes approximately 60 minutes. We review your presenting symptoms, onset and duration, medical history, family psychiatric history, substance use history, and any previous treatments. If medication is indicated, it can be prescribed at the first visit. If additional workup is needed -- such as GeneSight testing or lab work -- we explain the reasoning and proceed efficiently.
Insurance and Payment
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Cash pay is available for patients not in-network with Kaiser or without insurance coverage.
When to Seek an Evaluation
If you have been experiencing persistent changes in mood, concentration, sleep, motivation, or emotional regulation -- particularly if these changes have lasted weeks or months and are affecting your functioning -- a psychiatric evaluation provides clarity. You do not need a referral from another provider. You do not need to have tried therapy first. The evaluation itself is the appropriate starting point.
Related Conditions We Treat
PTSD Evaluation
Post-traumatic stress disorder presents with a cluster of symptoms including re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of trauma-associated stimuli, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough psychiatric evaluation that differentiates PTSD from other trauma-related and anxiety conditions. Our providers across the Boulder area and all of Colorado are experienced in conducting these assessments.
Pharmacological management of PTSD centers on SSRIs, with sertraline and paroxetine holding FDA approval for this indication. Prazosin may be added to address trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbance. Treatment selection considers symptom profile, comorbid conditions, and prior medication trials to improve outcomes.
Post-diagnostic management involves structured follow-up to assess treatment response, monitor for adverse effects, and adjust the pharmacological regimen as clinically indicated. PTSD treatment often requires sustained engagement, and our practice supports patients through the full course of recovery.
Bipolar Disorder Assessment
Bipolar disorder frequently presents diagnostic challenges, with studies suggesting an average delay of 5-10 years between symptom onset and accurate diagnosis. Many patients initially present with depressive episodes, and without systematic screening for manic or hypomanic features, the bipolar component may go undetected. Our diagnostic evaluations across the Boulder area and all of Colorado employ structured mood assessment to ensure accurate identification.
The evaluation process includes a thorough review of longitudinal mood patterns, energy fluctuations, sleep changes, behavioral observations, family psychiatric history, and prior treatment response. Particular attention is given to identifying hypomanic episodes, which patients may not recognize as pathological.
Pharmacological management of bipolar disorder centers on mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine, with selection guided by predominant polarity, comorbid conditions, and tolerability profile. Early initiation of appropriate pharmacotherapy following accurate diagnosis significantly improves long-term outcomes and reduces episode frequency.
