What You Should Know Before a Psychiatric Evaluation

If you're preparing for a psychiatric evaluation, it’s completely natural to feel a little nervous or uncertain. Whether this is your first time or part of an ongoing mental health journey, understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and set you up for a productive and helpful experience.

Here’s what you should know before your psychiatric evaluation:

1. What a Psychiatric Evaluation Is — and Isn’t

A psychiatric evaluation is a clinical assessment done by a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional. At Lakeside Integrative NPs in Psychiatry, you will receive an evaluation by a nurse practitioner who will consider you holistically. The purpose of the psychiatric evaluation is to understand your mental health status, symptoms, and overall well-being to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

It is not a test you can “fail” or something to be afraid of. It’s a conversation meant to help you. In fact, the services' helpfulness to you is the most important feature of the evaluation.

2. Be Honest — This Is a Safe Space

One of the most important things you can do is be open and honest. Psychiatric nurses are trained to listen without judgment. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, mood swings, sleep problems, hallucinations, or anything else, being truthful gives your clinician the best chance of understanding what’s going on.

It’s okay if you don’t have the “right words.” Just describe what you’re feeling as best you can. This improves the nurse's ability to partner with you to address your concerns efficiently.

3. You Might Be Asked About:

• Your symptoms – What you’ve been experiencing, how long, and how intense.

• Your medical history – Including current medications, past diagnoses, hospitalizations, or family history of mental illness.

• Your personal history – Work, school, relationships, childhood, and major life events.

• Substance use – Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.

• Daily functioning – How your mental state affects your sleep, appetite, focus, or relationships.

Try to answer as fully as possible. If you’re unsure or don’t remember something, it’s okay to say so. Sometimes, we may ask about very personal details. Please know that you are always in the driver's seat at Lakeside Integrative NPs in Psychiatry and you can tell us if you do not feel like discussing something we ask about. For example, we may ask about your history of traumatic events. It is sufficient to say that you have experienced traumatic events, but that you do not wish to discuss this at this time. We will always treat these wishes with respect and great care.

4. Bring Information With You

It can be helpful to bring:

• A list of your current medications, including supplements and vitamins

• Notes about symptoms you’ve experienced

• Relevant medical records or prior mental health diagnoses

• A trusted friend or family member (if you're comfortable), especially if they can provide helpful context or support

Writing things down ahead of time can help if you're nervous or tend to forget details during appointments.

5. You Can Ask Questions, Too

This is your health, and you have a right to understand what's happening. Feel free to ask questions such as:

• What does this diagnosis mean?

• What are my treatment options?

• What side effects might I experience with medication?

• How often will I need to come in?

A good psychiatric nurse will welcome your questions and ensure that you’re involved in the decision-making process.

6. It’s Normal to Feel Vulnerable

Talking about your mental health can be emotional and even exhausting. Many people feel vulnerable or distressed afterward — this is normal. If you can, plan something calming after your appointment: go for a walk, listen to music, or talk to a friend. It is challenging and unnatural to give so much detail within the first hour of meeting with another person. At Lakeside Integrative NPs in Psychiatry, we are ready and willing to support you through this challenge. We can even break up your initial psychiatric evaluation into a few smaller meetings, please ask us for alternative options if you wish to consider this. Again, you are in the driver's seat.

7. This Is Just the First Step

A psychiatric evaluation is the beginning of a process, not the end. You might leave with a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a recommendation for further testing or therapy. Whatever the outcome, try to stay open-minded. Healing is rarely linear — and it looks different for everyone. We will be with you to address your concerns and make sure that you have a good understanding of how to achieve your unique end goal.

Final Thoughts

Taking the step to get a psychiatric evaluation is a brave and important move toward better mental health. Educating yourself on what to expect can help you approach the experience with more confidence and less fear. Remember: you're not alone, and there’s help and hope available.

If you're preparing for a psychiatric evaluation and feeling anxious, that’s okay. Being informed is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. Please reach out to us with any questions, we are more than happy to tailor the intake process to your needs.