A mental health evaluation is used to ascertain whether or not a patient is functioning on a healthy psychological, social, or developmental level. A mental health evaluation can also be used to aid diagnosis of some neurological disorders, specific diseases, or possible drug abuse.

Mental health evaluations are performed to screen for mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, or as part of their continuing evaluation. They can also be used to help diagnose neurological pathology, such as Alzheimer’s disease. A mental health evaluation may be indicated if a person is having difficulty at work, school, or in social situations. For example, a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or a personality disorder may begin with a mental health evaluation as part of their discovery. Mental health evaluations may also be done if substance abuse is suspected.

A mental health evaluation can be done for patients of any age or gender. The mental health evaluation of a child or adolescent is based on developmental stage as appropriate for age. An adult mental health evaluation may be done to screen for new diagnoses, assess patients with an existing diagnosis for changes in severity, or to assess the need to modify current a treatment plan.

A general practitioner may perform a brief mental health evaluation during a routine examination. However, if there are symptoms of a mental disorder present, the patient may be referred to a specialist for a more thorough mental health evaluation. A specialist for a mental health evaluation may be a Licensed Social Worker L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)or a psychiatrist.

A L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)is a health care professional who is not a medical doctor. A L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) may hasve a degree called a MSW (Master of Social Work) PsyD (doctor of psychology), or a PhD (doctor of philosophy) in psychology. L.C.S.W.’s Psychologists can evaluate and counsel patients, and need to be licensed to practice. However in most states, L.C.S.W.’s psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

History taking is an important component of the mental health evaluation. The health history of a patient includes their medical health history, family health history, medications they are currently on, and social history. Social history is a critical component, including history of drug use, physical or emotional abuse, and exposure to traumatic situations. It also covers the “chief complaint,” or description of the patient’s current issue in the context of the patient’s life, both past and present. Health care professionals who perform a mental health evaluation need to obtain a thorough health history from the patient, because it places the current situation into the context of the overall health. For the current chief complaint, the health care provider will ask questions to form an overall picture of how the patient is feeling and any distressing emotions the patient is experiencing. A pertinent health history also includes information on

Any previous psychiatric illness, for both the patient and the patient’s family. It is important that the health care provider be made aware of not only current prescription medications, but also non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal supplements or teas the patient is currently taking, as they may affect the patient’s mental status. History of suicide attempts or thoughts may be initially discussed during the history portion of the evaluation.