Comprehensive Assessments for Personalized Care
At City Mind Wellness, every treatment journey begins with understanding. Our psychiatric evaluations are in-depth, 60-minute sessions designed to provide a clear picture of your mental health needs, challenges, and goals. By taking the time to truly listen and learn about your unique situation, we create a foundation for effective, safe, and personalized care.
Whether you’re seeking treatment for the first time, looking for clarity on a diagnosis, or exploring new options for ongoing concerns, our psychiatric evaluations are the starting point for a care plan that works for you.
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured, one-hour session with a licensed mental health provider. During this appointment, we gather important information about your mental health history, current symptoms, and overall well-being. The goal is not just to identify concerns—it’s to develop a deeper understanding of who you are, what you’re experiencing, and what support you need.
Our evaluations include:
- A thorough review of your personal and family mental health history.
- Discussion of your current symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Screening for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and trauma-related concerns.
- Assessment of your overall functioning, including work, school, and relationships.
- Exploration of any previous treatments or medications and how they affected you.
This process helps us create an informed care plan, whether that includes therapy, medication management, or referrals for additional support.
Why Psychiatric Evaluations Are Important
Psychiatric evaluations are a vital first step in your mental health journey. They serve several key purposes:
- Accurate Diagnosis
Many conditions share overlapping symptoms. An evaluation helps clarify what’s happening, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. - Personalized Care
Understanding your full history and needs allows us to design treatment that truly fits you—not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. - Medication Considerations
For patients who may benefit from medication, evaluations provide the information needed to prescribe safely and responsibly. - Baseline for Progress
Evaluations give us a starting point to track your progress over time, so you can see the improvements you’re making. - Peace of Mind
Sometimes, the greatest benefit is clarity. Knowing what’s going on can reduce anxiety and provide direction for your care.
Who Should Get a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation can benefit anyone who is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. At City Mind Wellness, we conduct evaluations for:
- Adolescents (13+): Teens struggling with anxiety, mood changes, focus issues, or school challenges.
- Adults: Individuals facing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, or uncertainty about their mental health.
- Older Adults: Those navigating life transitions, memory concerns, grief, or health-related emotional changes.
If you’ve never received a formal evaluation—or if you’re questioning whether your current diagnosis and treatment are accurate—an evaluation can provide clarity and confidence.
What to Expect During Your 60-Minute Evaluation
We want you to feel comfortable and informed before your session. Here’s what typically happens during a psychiatric evaluation at City Mind Wellness:
- Introduction and Rapport Building
Your provider will begin by explaining the process and creating a supportive environment where you feel at ease. - Discussion of Symptoms and Concerns
You’ll share your experiences, challenges, and what brought you to seek care. This is your opportunity to be open and honest—there are no “wrong” answers. - Mental Health History Review
We’ll explore your personal history, past treatments, family background, and other factors that may influence your mental health. - Screenings and Assessments
Your provider may use questionnaires or structured tools to better understand your symptoms. - Collaborative Planning
At the end of your session, we’ll review findings, provide insight, and discuss next steps—whether that’s therapy, medication management, or further evaluation.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
Our psychiatric evaluations can help identify and guide treatment for a range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- ADHD and attention-related concerns
- Bipolar disorder
- Trauma and PTSD
- Adjustment disorders
- Sleep issues related to mental health
How Psychiatric Evaluations Fit Into Ongoing Care
Your evaluation is just the first step in a larger journey. Based on the findings, we may recommend:
- Supportive Psychotherapy to help you process emotions and build coping skills.
- Medication Management if safe, responsible prescribing could support your goals.
- Diagnosis Clarification/Second Opinion if there are uncertainties about your condition.
- Referrals to specialized therapy, case management, or support groups.
Because all of our services are conducted via secure telehealth, you’ll receive care that is accessible, private, and consistent no matter where you are in California.