Mental Health Evaluation

If you’re struggling with your mental health, evaluation is an essential first step toward feeling better. At The Healing Path in Fremont, Nebraska, Kayla Allmendinger, LADC, PLMHP, PCMSW, MPA, and Corey Allmendinger, LADC, PLMHP, PCMSW, complete mental health evaluations for all new patients. Professional assessments can make a significant difference, helping you regain control and improve your well-being. Call The Healing Path or request a mental health evaluation online today.

What is a mental health evaluation?

A mental health evaluation is the first step in understanding and addressing mental health concerns. It takes place during your initial appointment when you seek help for symptoms that may indicate a mental health condition. These conditions can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression (major depressive disorder)
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Eating disorders

Since many psychiatric conditions have overlapping symptoms, a mental health evaluation helps professionals determine the underlying causes of your struggles.

For example, anxiety can be a symptom of PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and eating disorders. Additionally, it’s common for people to experience more than one condition at a time, such as depression alongside anxiety or substance use disorder.

A thorough mental health evaluation allows The Healing Path team to gain a clear picture of your mental health and develop a treatment program that meets your specific needs.

What happens during a mental health evaluation?

Before your evaluation, you may need to fill out questionnaires or assessments to help measure symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood changes. Your provider also reviews your medical and mental health history to understand your background better.

During the appointment, your mental health professional discusses your home life, work, and relationships and explores any family history of mental health conditions. They evaluate your lifestyle, stress levels, and coping mechanisms, then talk about the symptoms you experience and how they impact your daily life.

Sometimes, The Healing Path team might suggest lab tests to check for medical conditions, such as thyroid imbalances or hormonal changes, which can contribute to mood disturbances.

What comes after a mental health evaluation?

Once your mental health evaluation is complete, your provider will offer a diagnosis (if applicable) and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include:

• Recomendation to medication provider to help manage symptoms
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address underlying emotional challenges
• Lifestyle adjustments, such as improved nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits
• Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Stress management strategies to help improve daily functioning

For many people, talk therapy is an essential part of recovery, providing a safe space to explore emotions and develop healthier thought patterns.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to schedule a mental health evaluation with The Healing Path team today. You can also make contact using the online inquiry form.