Assessments for Mental Health Disorders
What Are Psychological Assessments?
At Palm Springs Behavioral Health, we believe that a thorough psychological assessment is an essential part of understanding and addressing mental health disorders and therapeutic needs.
Psychological/psychiatric assessments are a series of evaluations and tests used to diagnose mental health disorders, assess the severity of symptoms, and determine appropriate treatment options.
These assessments may include:
- Clinical interviews: Mental health professionals may conduct clinical interviews to gather information about an individual’s symptoms, mental health history, and personal background.
- Diagnostic tests: Diagnostic tests, such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), are used to diagnose specific mental health disorders.
Psychological tests: Psychological tests, such as personality tests or intelligence tests, are used to assess an individual’s cognitive and emotional functioning. - Medical evaluations: Medical evaluations may be conducted to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to mental health symptoms.
Common Diagnosis of Mental Health Disorders
Psychological/psychiatric assessments can reveal a range of mental health disorders, including:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
Behavioral Health Treatment After Assessments
At Palm Springs Behavioral Health, the following treatment modalities are frequently recommended following a psychological or psychiatric assessment.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help individuals to explore and address underlying emotional and psychological issues. Psychotherapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or other evidence-based therapies.
- Medication management: Medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of mental health disorders, such as antidepressants for depression or anti-anxiety medications for anxiety disorders.
- Support services: Support services, such as vocational rehabilitation, case management, or peer support, may be recommended to help individuals manage their mental health symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Recreational and holistic therapies: Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, outdoor activities, group activities, or art therapy may be recommended to help individuals to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build resilience.
Our team of mental health professionals has extensive experience in conducting assessments and developing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs and goals of each individual. If you or a loved one are seeking mental health treatment, please contact us to learn more about our services.
