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Mental Health Assessment A mental health assessment is a review of a patient's symptoms and the effects they exert on their daily functioning. It involves direct questioning and observation. Written or verbal tests may be part of the psychiatric assessment. They can be in a questionnaire form or be simple tasks like recalling lists of short items or recognizing shapes and objects. mental health assesment If you're having trouble at school or work or are having issues with your relationships, or experiencing anxiety or depression it is likely that there is an underlying cause for these symptoms. A mental health assessment tests can help your doctor identify the cause and recommend a treatment plan. When you undergo a psychological examination the doctor might use different psychological tests to evaluate your ability to think clearly and retain information as well as your emotional stability. These tests are based on research-based psychology theories and range from pencil and paper tasks to computer-based games. A basic psychological assessment will consist of a mental health examination, a cognitive assessment and an assessment of personality or behavior. They are typically conducted by a mental health professional however, they can also be performed by a physician or other qualified medical professional. A mental status examination is a structured evaluation of the patient's overall state of mind. It includes descriptions of the patient's appearance as well as general behavior, the level of consciousness and attentiveness of speech and motor activities, mood and affect, thought and perception as well as insight and attitude and more advanced cognitive functions like alertness memory, ability to construct, and abstract thinking. Psychological tests may be formal, using standardized procedures that are administered under controlled conditions. They also can be informal, involving unstructured interview with the client or with other individuals who are familiar with the situation of the client. All psychological assessments regardless of the kind of testing, must be conducted by licensed psychologists who have been trained to assess and comprehend the results. Projective tests are used in some psychological testing to gain access to the unconscious. They include the Rorschach test, better known as the inkblot exam, and provide insight into personality and emotional functioning. Other tests that are projective use the use of drawing or word association to assess emotional and thinking processes. When you undergo a personality or behavior assessment the doctor will talk to you and ask you questions about your family history, your past experiences social interactions, and your current behavior. Your doctor will assess your mood by observing your body language and facial expressions. They will also look for specific characteristics like introversion and extrovert that could be contributing to your symptoms. Screening tests Many mental health assessments begin with a simple screen test. These tests usually take the form of a written or verbal questionnaire. They will ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing and what effect they have on your life. They may ask about your family history since mental illness is a trait that runs in families. These tests are designed to see whether the symptoms you're experiencing might be caused by mental health issues or other problems such as thyroid diseases. If the results of the screening suggest that the doctor or another mental health professional thinks you might have a mental disorder they will order additional tests to determine if you are suffering from anxiety or depression. They will also perform an examination to rule out other causes such as a thyroid disorder or any other alcohol or drug abuse. There are specific screening tools specifically designed for children and teenagers specifically designed for their needs, as these age groups can sometimes be difficult to assess accurately with more general screening tests. They could also be more at risk of suicide or affected by other serious disorders like bipolar disorder. Checklists are utilized in a few of these assessment tools. These are lists that are focused on specific symptoms. These tools can be used alongside other techniques. However, the doctor should always remember that they do not consider all the psychological, cultural, and social factors that may influence the patient. There are a number of tools that concentrate on a specific type of disorder, for instance those aimed at checking for PTSD or depression. They tend to be more thorough than the standard screening tools. If the results of the tests suggest that you be suffering from a mental health issue the doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for treatment. These professionals are trained to treat a variety of mental illnesses and can assist you in managing your symptoms. They can also help you improve your strategies for coping and learn to handle difficult situations that arise in your life. Diagnosis Tests Mental health screening tests can provide valuable information about a patient's symptoms. Primary care physicians (PCPs) as well as behavioral health specialists, and others could employ them to detect depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders. These assessments are often more thorough than screening questionnaires and can aid in gathering additional information about the severity and nature of symptoms. They can be used to identify physical conditions that may accompany mental disease or increase the risk of developing it. During a mental assessment, patients are asked to speak with a doctor or other trained professional about their emotions behavior, thoughts and feelings. The patient will be asked when the symptoms began and how they affect their daily life and what makes them more or less severe. A behavioral health specialist may also use a rating system to provide an objective assessment of the severity of a condition. These tests can help determine a patient's symptom but they cannot provide a diagnosis. A licensed therapist will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient, looking for clues in their behavior and interactions with other people. They will also have to consider the history of mental illness within the family as well as the person's medical history. Many people with mental problems can improve their condition with the right treatment and support of a mental health professional. They can manage their symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. The best way to receive the appropriate treatment is to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist may prescribe medication to treat certain mental ailments and psychologists can offer emotional support and talk about lifestyle changes that can improve the patient's quality of life. Contact Mercy Behavioral Health if you or a family member believes they require an evaluation of their mental health. The sooner you begin treatment, the more effective. Treatment Plan A treatment plan is a document that a counselor creates with clients to outline the steps that are taken in addressing the client's mental needs. It should outline the person's present mental health issues, past mental history, as well as the current diagnosis. The plan should also contain specific, measurable goals and a time-frame to meet those goals. Both the counselor and the patient should sign the plan in order to confirm that they are in agreement with its content. The majority of medical insurance plans and managed care organizations require an approved treatment plan for their clients. Certain plans require that a treatment plan be reviewed every 30 days. Other plans may require that it be reviewed every 100 days. Making an effective treatment plan is an essential part of the assessment process, since it ensures the client is engaged in their therapy, and that their therapist is aware of their current needs. A treatment plan will also help the counselor get a clear picture of how the client's issues impact their daily lives and determine what kind of therapy is needed to address the issues. In order to create a treatment plan, there are many different templates that counselors can utilize. It is important to keep in mind that each client will have their own treatment plan and should reflect their individual needs. It is also crucial that the counselor takes the time to listen to the client and incorporate findings of the assessment into their treatment sessions. A counselor needs to assess the client's willingness to change as part of the treatment plan. This can be done either by asking questions regarding the client's feelings and behavior or by observing their body language and behavior. Counselors will also have to inquire about their family and work life to find out how their psychiatric issues affect the way they live their lives. The treatment plan will be discussed with the client in another session. At this point the therapist will generally solicit feedback from the client on the goals and objectives in the treatment plan. At this point, any issues with the plan will also be discussed.