Research shows about half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. The symptoms of a mental health condition can be distressing and disrupt daily functioning. In most cases, people require treatment and support to manage their symptoms.
Getting proper mental health treatment starts with a mental health evaluation. A mental health evaluation is a specialized assessment that can diagnose mental health conditions and guide treatment.
This article will explore where to find a mental health evaluation in Princeton, New Jersey. You will also learn:
- What to expect during a mental health evaluation
- The goals of a mental health assessment
- Signs you need a mental health evaluation
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment and support in Princeton, NJ
If you or someone in your life is experiencing new or worsening mental health symptoms, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and support at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Mental Health Evaluation?
A mental health evaluation is a type of assessment intended to identify a mental illness. This type of evaluation allows medical or mental health providers to diagnose bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. It can also determine which kind of treatment plans are most likely to be effective.
Several types of practitioners may conduct a psychiatric assessment, including:
- Primary care doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
A mental health evaluation can help these professionals provide the most effective therapies to address a mental health condition. Mental health treatment plans may include talk therapy, medications, holistic therapies, lifestyle changes, and more.
What are the Goals of a Psychiatric Assessment?
A mental health assessment typically includes a clinical interview, cognitive ability testing, a personal and family history of mental illness, and other screenings. This thorough assessment can identify behavioral, psychological, and physical aspects of mental health conditions. The ultimate goal of a mental health assessment is to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.
A mental health evaluation can be helpful at any stage of a person’s journey. People may undergo an assessment to evaluate and diagnose new symptoms, assess the effectiveness of treatment, or investigate new or worsening symptoms.
What Happens During a Mental Health Assessment?
A mental health evaluation typically consists of several screenings and tests. Here is an overview of what to expect during a psychiatric assessment.
Physical exam
Physical health conditions can affect a person’s mental and emotional health. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to explore the physical causes of mental health symptoms.
Lab testing
A mental health evaluation may include urine testing, bloodwork, and other lab work. These tests can give a more accurate picture of a person’s physical health, allowing doctors to provide more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment.
Personal history
A psychiatric evaluation may explore your relationships, daily habits, stressors, work, and other subjects. This information will provide valuable information about your personal strengths, lifestyle, and goals.
Cognitive testing
Cognitive testing can help your treatment team assess your thinking and memory. Your evaluation may include memory, reasoning, and other types of cognitive tests.
Mental health history
A mental health evaluation in Princeton is likely to include a complete history, including when symptoms began, a family history of mental health conditions, and more. This information will help create a holistic picture of each person’s mental health, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Do I Need a Mental Health Evaluation?
Comprehensive mental health treatment can help people feel better and improve daily functioning. There are many levels of care, types of treatments, and evidence-based therapies that can help people manage the symptoms of mental health conditions.
Recognizing the signs of a mental health condition can help people get the treatment they need to manage it. Common signs of mental health conditions include:
- Significant changes in appetite, mood, or sleep
- Increased isolation or social withdrawal
- Sudden changes in personality
- Significant changes in energy levels (much more energy or feeling fatigued a lot of the time)
- Substance abuse after a traumatic experience or to self-medicate mental health symptoms
- Trouble with concentration, focus, or memory
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
- Losing interest in hobbies or other activities you used to enjoy
- Odd or uncharacteristic behaviors
- Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
- Pain or other physical symptoms without a clear physical cause
- Increased sensitivity to sight, smell, or touch
- Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
It can be challenging to manage a mental health condition. The right treatment and support are essential. Seek mental health treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mental health treatment typically includes talk therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, education, and holistic therapies. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn more about comprehensive mental health treatment.
Find a Psychiatric Assessment in Princeton, NJ
If you or a loved one are experiencing new or worsening mental health symptoms, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at The Living Room at Princeton to schedule a mental health evaluation or to learn about our treatment and support programs.
References:
- Harvard Medical School: Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder