Any person can struggle with mental health issues at any moment, and seeking help is an essential first step on the path to recovery. It can be challenging to identify mental health problems in ones self. The person might not be aware of the symptoms or may not have access to mental health care. By offering a precise diagnosis and directing individuals toward the most effective treatment options, mental health exams can assist people in receiving the care they want. People can better understand their mental health and take action to enhance their general well-being by receiving an evaluation.
What is a MHE
A mental health evaluation is a thorough assessment of a person's mental health state carried out by a mental health expert. This evaluation may employ a variety of approaches, such as psychological testing, questionnaires, and interviews. A cognitive evaluation, physical examination, blood tests, a personal, and mental health history may also be part of it.
These tests can identify potential mental health disorders, assess the severity of symptoms, and offer treatment advice. They may also be used to assess a person's mental health in professional or legal contexts, such as determining a person's fitness for duty or a claim of disability.
You will be questioned about your ideas, feelings, and behaviors while undergoing an evaluation. Further in-depth questions about your symptoms, such as how they affect your daily life, what makes them better or worse, and whether you've tried to manage them independently and how, may be asked of you. Your doctor will also observe your appearance and behavior: Are you irritable, shy, or aggressive? Do you make eye contact? Are you talkative? How do you appear, compared with others your age?
The DSM-5TR, a guidebook used by mental health practitioners, contains some of the mental health disorders that are frequently tested for including:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders.
Mental Health Assessment
A licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor, can conduct a valid mental health assessment. Each mental health practitioner has a unique area of expertise and method of evaluation, so it is important to be honest with your primary care physician and anyone helping you to set up your evaluation, so that are able to get you to the right professional for help.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who focuses on the identification, therapy, and management of mental health conditions. They may conduct a psychiatric evaluation to diagnose and treat mental illness, which can involve the prescription of medication.
Licensed psychologist's are trained mental health professional who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders through therapy. They may use psychological testing and other methods to evaluate a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning and build a treatment plan, including coping skills to help the individual live a full life with their disorder.
Professional counselors and clinical social workers work in much the same way. They specialize in providing therapy to individuals and groups with emotional and mental health issues. They use a variety of researched-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to evaluate and treat mental health disorders. It is not uncommon for individuals to have more than one of these professionals on their care team. They all work together to find the most effective treatment to help the individual find happiness. However, each mental health professional has their own unique approach to evaluation and treatment, so it's important to find a professional who is the right fit for your needs.
WHOA Can Guide You to Better Mental Health
When dealing with mental health problems, it's critical to get help. Intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable actions can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life and can lead to grave ramifications. Regrettably, the stigma surrounding mental health still exists, which may discourage people from getting support. Yet it's important to realize that getting assistance for mental health issues is no different than seeking medical care for physical health problems. WHOA Behavioral and Mental Health provides evaluations, counseling, treatment, and more to help individuals overcome mental health challenges in Colonial Heights, VA. An accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment choices can enable people to better manage their symptoms and enhance their general wellbeing. It's critical to keep in mind that asking for assistance is a sign of strength and that caring for your mental health is not shameful. Call WHOA today to speak to one of our caring employees and let us help you get started on your way to better mental health.
