Psychiatric Evaluation


A psychiatric evaluation involves clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and mental status exams to assess emotional and cognitive well-being.

• Why it matters: Identifies conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

• In children: Evaluations often include input from parents, teachers, and sometimes standardized questionnaires.

• Statistic: About 20% of children have a diagnosable mental health condition, but fewer than half receive care (NIMH, 2024).

• What families should know: This is often the first step before therapy, counseling, or medication decisions.


References:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2024). Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). (2023). Clinical Assessment in Youth.