Psychiatric diagnostic assessments, or psychiatric evaluations, are used to determine a patient’s mental state. After the evaluation, a licensed psychiatrist, like Dr. Cawkwell, can provide insight and recommendations for the best treatment plan. If you or a loved one is curious about counseling or individualized therapy, the first step is a diagnostic assessment.
As a new patient at PBC Psychiatric of California, Oregon, and New York, you benefit from a psychiatry expert who is embracing technology and modern medicine to provide treatment and relief to you and your family. Your telehealth appointments can be held anywhere you are comfortable and you will have access to Dr. Cawkwell’s expertise on your computer or mobile device.
What to expect during your first appointment?
Diagnostic assessments gather essential information about you and your challenges which allows mental health professionals the ability to find an appropriate treatment plan. Common reasons to seek help include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety & Stress
- Depression
- Eating issues
- Anger
- Relationship or marriage challenges
- Addiction
- Abuse
- Family issues
- Insomnia
- Sexuality
- Behavioral issues
Your initial therapy session is often a chance for you to share your concerns and for Dr. Cawkwell to listen and gather information. He will ask you questions about your physical and emotional health history and the current reasons for reaching out for help. After the session, it is common to have some ‘homework’ such as gathering more information or writing down thoughts and feelings to bring to a second session. With a better understanding of your needs, Dr. Cawkwell can better advise you or even prescribe medication to help you.
He will complete a full psychiatric assessment which examines your mental status and your psychological history. He may use questionnaires or interview questions to get a better sense of your state of mind and the symptoms you are experiencing. There are no right or wrong answers. At this stage, we are simply gathering all the information available so that the treatment plan aligns with providing solutions and relief of your symptoms and concerns.
Creating A Treatment Plan
Creating an optimal treatment plan may take more than the initial visit. If you are honest and open about your symptoms and other medications and treatments, it will be easier to find the treatment option that works best for you. As you can tell, this means every treatment plan is different for each person who seeks help. As you work together, you and Dr. Cawkwell will create a unique treatment plan that is tailored to your circumstances.
The treatment plan will describe your mental health concerns and a detailed plan about how the treatment will progressively help you reduce the causes and build the skills to control the symptoms of your issue. A treatment plan may also provide options for treatment. Usually, treatment consists of individualized therapy (talk therapy), medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these methods.
As you progress through the treatment plan, you may notice your treatment requirements begin to change and evolve. Dr. Cawkwell is here to guide you through the treatment and any necessary changes you need. As your primary psychiatrist, he will also monitor and track your progress in order to see your progress and make changes and suggestions based on how well the treatment plan and your efforts are paying off. If you are ready to take charge of your mental health or if you know someone who is in need of a psychiatric diagnostic assessment, please do not hesitate to ask for more information. PBC Psychiatry provides services to all California residents and is dedicated to improving the quality of life of every patient. Work with a doctor who is dedicated to your success. Call Dr. Cawkwell today.
