What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a detailed clinical assessment to determine an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. Getting the diagnosis right is critical -- PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder can all share symptoms, and the wrong diagnosis means the wrong medication.
What Happens During the Evaluation
Your first visit is about 60 minutes. We review your symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, and any previous diagnoses. For military patients, we understand the specific stressors of service -- deployments, TBI history, transition challenges -- and factor those into the clinical picture. For children, we involve parents in the assessment.
After the Evaluation
You leave with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, prescriptions can start the same day. If further assessment is needed -- like GeneSight testing -- we arrange it promptly.
Insurance and Payment
Covered by TRICARE, Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid. Cash pay is available.
When to Schedule
If symptoms are affecting your ability to do your job, your relationships, or your day-to-day functioning -- that is reason enough. You do not need a referral. Active duty, veterans, military families, and civilians are all welcome.
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 comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that differentiates PTSD from other trauma-related and anxiety conditions. Our providers across Fayetteville and the Sandhills region 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 optimize 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 Fayetteville and the Sandhills region employ structured mood assessment to ensure accurate identification.
The evaluation process includes a comprehensive 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.
