What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured meeting with a psychiatric provider. The mission is straightforward -- figure out what is going on and build a plan to address it. Whether it is ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or something else, we identify the problem and get you moving toward treatment.
It is not a test you pass or fail. It is a conversation with a trained provider who asks the right questions and knows what to look for.
What We Evaluate
We assess ADHD, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, PMDD, and other psychiatric conditions. We work with adults, teens, and children. For military-connected patients, we have experience with combat-related PTSD, transition adjustment, traumatic brain injury symptoms, and the stress that comes with service life.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
First appointments run about 60 minutes. We cover your current symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical and family history, and anything you have tried before. If medication is appropriate, you may leave with a prescription the same day. If we need additional information, we explain the next steps and move fast.
Insurance and Payment
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by most insurance including TRICARE. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Cash pay is available for Kaiser patients or those without insurance.
When to Get Evaluated
If you have been dealing with sleep problems, concentration issues, mood swings, irritability, emotional numbness, constant worry, or flashbacks -- do not wait for them to get worse. A psychiatric evaluation gives you a clear picture and a concrete plan. No referral needed. No prerequisites. Just make the appointment.
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 Colorado Springs 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 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 Colorado Springs and all of Colorado 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.
