Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Get a thorough, judgment-free diagnostic assessment and evidence-based treatment planning for mental health disorders.
Book an Appointment Call UsInitial Psychiatric Evaluation
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure about what’s causing changes in your mood or behavior? A psychiatric evaluation at Health & Psychiatry can help provide the clarity and direction you need.
Our licensed mental health professionals take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and assess your symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or another mental health concern — we’re here to help you find balance, healing, and peace of mind.
At Health & Psychiatry, Dr. Sajan and her experienced team provide thorough psychiatric evaluations to better understand your mental health needs and create personalized, results-driven treatment plans. With locations across Florida, our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, offering compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to each individual.
Our team also values collaboration and continuity of care. We work closely with your other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach that supports your overall well-being — mind and body.
What is an
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
An initial psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that helps your provider understand your emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being. It is often the first step in your mental healthcare journey and provides the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan.
During this evaluation, your board certified psychiatric provider will take time to learn about your current symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle, and any past mental health treatments. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, experiences, and goals for care.
The purpose of the evaluation is to gain a complete picture of your mental health, identify any underlying conditions, and determine the most effective treatment options—such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both.
At Health & Psychiatry, our compassionate team strives to make the process comfortable and supportive, ensuring that every patient receives thoughtful, individualized care from the very first visit.
Book an Appointment Call UsWho Should Consider
Getting an Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
An initial psychiatric evaluation is recommended for anyone experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges that interfere with daily life. It’s also helpful for individuals who are unsure what they’re feeling but know something doesn’t feel right.
You may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation if you are:
Experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings
Having trouble concentrating, sleeping, or managing stress
Noticing changes in behavior, motivation, or energy levels
Struggling with relationships, work, or academic performance
Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or emotionally unstable
Concerned about possible conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
A psychiatric evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of these symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment plan. At Health & Psychiatry, our caring team takes the time to listen, understand your experiences, and create a plan designed to help you regain balance and improve your overall well-being.
How We Conduct Initial Psychiatric Evaluation at Health & Psychiatry
A psychiatric evaluation is a structured process designed to assess an individual’s mental health, identify symptoms, and develop an effective treatment plan. At Health & Psychiatry, the evaluation typically involves the following steps:
We carefully evaluate the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing your mental wellness. When needed, lab tests may be ordered to rule out or confirm any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Using the information gathered during your evaluation and mental health screening, Dr. Sajan and her team create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include medication to address biological factors and therapy to support psychological and social well-being, forming the foundation of your psychiatric diagnosis and care.
- Comprehensive Interview: The provider meets with the patient to discuss current symptoms, emotional state, daily functioning, and any concerns about mental health. This conversation helps build a clear picture of the patient’s experiences.
- Medical and Psychiatric History: The provider reviews past medical conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, medications, hospitalizations, and family mental health history to identify patterns or risk factors.
- Mental Status Examination: This includes assessing mood, behavior, thought processes, cognition, memory, and orientation. It helps the provider evaluate how the patient is functioning at that moment.
- Assessment Tools and Questionnaires: Standardized assessments or screening tools may be used to gather objective data and support the diagnosis.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Based on the findings, the provider discusses potential diagnoses, treatment options, and next steps, which may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle recommendations.
- Follow-Up Planning: A schedule for ongoing care is established to monitor progress, adjust treatment if necessary, and ensure continuity of care.
Why Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Matters?
An Initial psychiatric evaluation can make a significant difference in identifying mental health conditions before they worsen. At Health & Psychiatry, we believe timely assessment leads to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes. If you are experiencing new symptoms or have been struggling for a while, an initial psychiatric evaluation may help you understand your condition and take control of your mental health. Our team is here to support you at every step.
Our Approach is Personalized and
Evidence-Based
Your mental health is shaped by your genetics, your environment, your life experiences, and so much more. There's no one-size-fits-all treatment, and we don't pretend there is.
Dr. Sajan and her team take a biopsychosocial approach, looking at the bigger picture:
- Biological factors – Brain chemistry, genetics, medical conditions
- Psychological factors – Thoughts, emotions, coping patterns
- Social factors – Relationships, work stress, life circumstances
This holistic view allows us to develop a treatment plan that addresses the root causes, not just the symptoms.
Why Choose Health & Psychiatry
Same day and late evening appointments
No referral required
Emergency visit availability
Wide range of insurance plans accepted
Convenient locations throughout Florida
Telepsychiatry:
Expert Care From Anywhere
Access expert personality disorder therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home through secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments.
You can meet with one of our licensed providers, including our experienced psychiatrist, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Receive care from the comfort of your home
- Eliminate travel time and transportation barriers
- Flexible scheduling around work and family commitments
- Maintain continuity of care even when traveling
- Access to the same expert providers and personalized treatment
What to Bring
1. Driver's License
2. Insurance ID Card
3. Prescription Bottles
Your Insurance Likely Covers Your Care
We accept most major insurance plans. Let's verify your coverage before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Current Symptoms: Questions about mood, anxiety, sleep patterns, energy levels, concentration, and any recent changes in behavior or emotions.
- Medical History: Your personal and family medical history, including past psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalizations, surgeries, and ongoing medical conditions.
- Medication and Treatment History: Information about current and past medications, therapies, or other treatments you’ve tried, and their effectiveness.
- Substance Use: Questions about alcohol, tobacco, and recreational or prescription drug use.
- Lifestyle and Daily Functioning: How your symptoms impact work, school, relationships, and daily activities.
- Stressors and Life Events: Significant life events, trauma, or ongoing stressors that may affect your mental health.
- Goals and Concerns: Your expectations, goals for treatment, and any concerns you may have about medications or therapy.
Answering these questions openly and honestly helps your provider develop a tailored treatment plan that meets your specific needs and supports your long-term mental health.
While the evaluation can take up to an hour or more, this thorough approach ensures your provider has a complete understanding of your mental health and can create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter, focusing on progress, medication management, and adjustments to your care plan.
Your provider will discuss the findings with you, explain any diagnoses, and outline next steps, including follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Ongoing care ensures your treatment remains effective, helps manage symptoms, and supports your overall mental health and well-being.
Confidence and Expertise -
Built on a foundation of accredited compliance
HIPAA Compliance
We maintain full HIPAA compliance, ensuring all healthcare data is protected with the highest level of confidentiality.
Type II SOC 2 Compliance
Being SOC 2 Type II certified highlights our commitment to rigorous security practices and safeguarding data integrity.
American Psychiatric Association
Works in coordination with the American Psychiatric Association