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Mental Health Assessment A mental health assessment is an examination of the patient's symptoms and their effects on their daily functioning. It consists of direct questions and observation. A psychiatric evaluation may also include tests for verbal or written. These tests can be in the form of a questionnaire, or simple tasks such as recalling short lists or recognizing objects or shapes. Psychological Tests There is likely a deeper reason behind your symptoms, whether you're struggling at school or work, experiencing relationship problems, or are suffering from anxiety or depression. A mental health assessment test will help your doctor pinpoint the root cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. When you undergo a psycho-evaluation your doctor will conduct a variety of psychological tests to determine your ability to think clearly, recall information, and maintain your emotional stability. These tests are based upon the latest research in psychology and vary from pencil and paper exercises to computer-based video games. A basic psychological examination includes a mental state examination, a cognition test and a personality or behavior assessment. They are usually performed by a mental health professional however, they can be conducted by a physician or other qualified medical professional. A mental status examination is a systematic assessment of the patient's overall state of mind. It includes descriptions of the patient's appearance as well as general behavior, levels of consciousness and attentiveness as well as speech and motor activity, mood and affect, thought and perception attitude and insight and more advanced cognitive functions like alertness memory, recall, constructional capability and abstract thinking. Psychological tests can be formal, utilizing standardized protocols that are administered under controlled conditions. Or, they may be informal and involve an unstructured conversation with the client or with other people who are familiar with the health of the client. All psychological evaluations regardless of the type of testing, must be conducted by licensed psychologists who are trained to analyze and interpret the results. Certain psychological tests employ methods known as projective tests, which aim to access the unconscious. The Rorschach, or inkblot, test is one of the most common projective tests. It offers insights into personality and emotional functioning. Other tests that are projective use words or drawings to test the emotional and cognitive processes. During the exam in the course of the evaluation, you will be questioned by your doctor and asked questions regarding your family background as well as your past experiences, current functioning, and social activities. They will examine your body language and facial expressions as they do so to assess your emotional state and how you react to certain events or stimuli. They will also note if you have certain characteristics, such as introversion or extroversion, that could contribute to your symptoms. Screening Tests Many mental health assessments begin with a basic screening test. These tests are usually in the form of a written or verbal questionnaire. They ask you to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also ask about your family history, since mental illness is a common trait in families. These tests help determine if your symptoms are caused by an illness of the mind or another problem such as thyroid disease. If the results of the test suggest that the doctor or another mental health practitioner thinks you might have a mental disorder they will recommend further tests to determine whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression. They will also conduct an examination to rule out any other causes, including thyroid disease or substance or alcohol abuse. There are specific screening tools for adolescents and children that are specifically designed to meet their needs, as these age groups can be difficult to evaluate accurately with more general screening tests. They may also be more at risk of committing suicide or affected by other serious disorders like bipolar disorder. Some of these assessment tools utilize checklists, which are specific lists that are focused on specific symptoms. These can be used in addition to other methods, however the doctor should keep in mind that they do not consider all the psychological, social, and cultural factors that may influence a patient. There are a number of tools focusing on a specific kind of disorder, such as those that check for PTSD or depression. They tend to be more thorough than the simpler screening tools. If the tests show up with a possible mental health issue, your doctor will refer you for treatment with psychologists or psychiatrists. They are trained to treat various mental illnesses and can assist you in managing your symptoms. They can also assist you to develop the skills you use to cope and come up with ways to deal with difficult situations in your life. Diagnosis Tests Screening tests for mental health can provide valuable information about a patient's symptoms. They can be utilized by primary health care providers (PCPs) or behavioral health specialists to look for symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders. These tests are typically more comprehensive than screening questionnaires, and can help gather additional data on the nature and severity of symptoms. They can also be used to check for physical conditions that can be a part of a mental illness, or increase the risk of developing one. In a mental health assessment patients are required to speak with a doctor or a qualified professional about their thoughts, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The patient will be asked when symptoms started and how they affect their daily life and what causes them to become more or less severe. A behavioral health specialist could also utilize a rating system to give accurate information about the severity of a condition. These tests can help identify the symptoms of a patient but they cannot provide a diagnosis. A licensed psychologist or therapist is required to conduct an extensive evaluation of the patient and search for indications in their behavior and interactions with other people. They should also take into account any previous history of mental illness in the patient's family and the person's overall medical history. Many people with mental health issues can become better with the proper treatment and assistance from an expert in mental health. They can learn how to manage their symptoms and live happier lives. The most effective way to receive right treatment is to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat specific mental disorders, and a psychologist can provide emotional support and discuss lifestyle changes that can improve the patient's quality of life. Contact Mercy Behavioral Health if you or a family member thinks they need a mental health evaluation. The sooner you start treatment, the more efficient it will be. Treatment Plan A treatment plan is the document that a counselor or client make together to define the steps they will take in addressing a client's mental health needs. It should include a description of the person's presenting problems, past mental health history, and current diagnosis. The plan should also include specific, measurable goals and a time-frame to achieve those goals. It is important that both the counselor and the client sign the plan to show that they are in agreement with its contents. Continue Reading , and managed care organizations, require their clients to have an approved treatment plan. Some plans even require that a treatment plan be reviewed and updated every 30 days, whereas others only require a review of a treatment plan every 100 days. A treatment plan is an important part of the assessment, since it guarantees that the client is actively involved in their therapy and that their counselor is aware of their current requirements. A treatment plan will also assist the counselor in obtaining more information about the client's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. It can also aid in determining the kind of therapy needed to deal with those symptoms. In order to create a treatment plan, there are many different templates that counselors can use. It is essential to remember that every client will have a unique treatment plan that should reflect their specific requirements. It is also crucial that the counselor take the time to talk to the client and incorporate assessment results into their sessions of treatment. As part of the process of treatment planning A counselor will have to assess the readiness of the client to change. This can be done by asking the client questions regarding their emotions and behaviors or by watching the client's behavior and body language. A counselor should also inquire about the client's family and work to determine how their psychiatric disorders affect these aspects of their lives. After the treatment plan has been completed and outlined, it will be discussed during a meeting with the client. At this stage, the therapist will usually seek feedback from the client on the goals and objectives of the treatment plan. If there are any problems with the treatment plan, they will be discussed during this session as well.