Mental health assessments are used in a variety of situations. In some cases, people are ordered by the court to undergo an assessment. In other situations, people choose to be screened because they think they might have a mental health condition.
No matter why you want to be screened for a mental health condition, it is important that you understand what is going to happen. Here's what you need to know.
What Mental Health Disorders Can Professionals Screen For?
Mental health assessments can spot a variety of mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and OCD. Professionals can use a variety of techniques to spot these potential issues, including behavioral issues in children.
People of all ages and genders may undergo an assessment. Screenings can help you understand your child, yourself, or a partner, for instance.
Why Are Mental Health Assessments Used?
Mental health assessments are used in a variety of circumstances. The most obvious reasons for assessments include diagnosis and treatment, but assessments can also be used in court. They can also be used to create a plan for the future, to identify life problems, and to measure a client's goal achievement and progress. Assessments can help boost self-esteem and promote change.
In some cases, assessments are used because of reported problems within the criminal justice system, school, or work. For instance, your child might have been reported as experiencing behavioral issues at school. Their school may recommend an assessment so that you can determine why your child might be acting in this way.
What Types of Assessments Are Available?
There are many types of mental health assessments professionals use. Assessments use different techniques to make determinations. You may notice a professional uses a variety of tools, including interviews, checklists, rankings, questionnaires, family interviews, observations, and other types of tests.
You may undergo an initial assessment by a family doctor or another medical practitioner before you are transferred to a mental health professional. This will depend on a number of factors, including your goals and the symptoms you report. In some cases, the client may be able to report many of their own symptoms. This can provide some help coming up with a diagnosis or even determining which assessment is most appropriate.
A mental health professional can provide you with more information about these mental health assessments and how they are used. Call a mental health professional today to learn more about diagnosis and treatment.
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