What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured conversation with a licensed psychiatric provider to figure out what is going on. It is not a pop quiz. It is not an interrogation. It is a chance to talk honestly about your symptoms, your history, and what has or has not worked before -- so we can give you an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that makes sense.
A lot of people come in thinking they have one thing and find out it is something else. Anxiety and ADHD overlap. Depression and bipolar disorder can look similar early on. PTSD gets misdiagnosed as anxiety all the time. Getting the right diagnosis matters because it changes the treatment.
What Happens During the Evaluation
Your first visit is about 60 minutes. We will talk about your current symptoms -- what they feel like, when they started, what makes them better or worse. We will ask about your medical history, family history, and any medications or substances you use. We may use standardized screening tools to help clarify things.
For children and teens, we involve parents in the process. We want to hear from both the patient and the family to get the full picture.
After the Evaluation
By the end of your first visit, you will have a diagnosis (or a working diagnosis if more information is needed) and a treatment plan. If medication is the right step, we can often write your first prescription the same day. If you need additional testing -- like GeneSight to guide medication selection -- we will set that up.
Insurance and Payment
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid plans (Healthy Blue, WellCare, AmeriHealth Caritas). Cash pay options are available.
When to Schedule an Evaluation
If you have been dealing with symptoms that are affecting your work, your relationships, or your ability to get through the day -- and you have not seen a psychiatrist before, or it has been a while -- an evaluation is the right starting point. You do not need a referral. Just call or book online.