What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured clinical assessment designed to identify what is happening with your mental health and determine the right course of treatment. Accurate diagnosis matters -- the wrong diagnosis leads to the wrong medication, wasted time, and unnecessary side effects.
Diagnostic overlap is common. ADHD and anxiety share multiple symptoms. Early-stage bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depression. PTSD presents as generalized anxiety in many patients. A thorough evaluation differentiates between these conditions and identifies comorbidities that affect treatment selection.
What Happens During the Evaluation
The initial visit is approximately 60 minutes. We conduct a comprehensive review of presenting symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, family history, substance use, and prior treatment response. Standardized screening instruments supplement the clinical interview as appropriate.
For pediatric and adolescent patients, we incorporate parent or caregiver input to establish a complete clinical picture.
After the Evaluation
You will leave with a diagnosis -- or a working differential if additional information is needed -- and a clear treatment plan. Medication can typically be initiated the same day when indicated. If pharmacogenomic testing would improve medication selection, we arrange GeneSight testing.
Insurance and Payment
Psychiatric evaluations are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid (Healthy Blue, WellCare, AmeriHealth Caritas). Cash pay is available.
When to Schedule
If symptoms are impairing your occupational performance, academic functioning, or personal relationships -- and you have not had a proper psychiatric evaluation or it has been years since your last one -- this is the appropriate starting point. No referral is required.
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 Durham and the Triangle area 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 Durham and the Triangle area 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.
