Mental health conditions are common in the United States. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness.[1] Unfortunately, many people do not access treatment, as about 50% of people with a mental health disorder do not receive help.[2]
If you are dealing with symptoms of a mental health condition, the first step in receiving support is receiving a psychological evaluation. Also known as a mental health assessment, these diagnostic tools help you determine what illness you struggle with, how severe your condition is, and what course of treatment is right for you.
You should receive a mental health evaluation if you are experiencing symptoms that impact your daily life. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, memories of trauma, feelings of depression, or frequent mood swings, a psychological assessment can help you determine your next steps.
If you are looking for a mental health assessment in New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place. At Renewed Light Mental Health, we can provide a confidential mental health evaluation and ensure you get the treatment you need to improve your quality of life.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a mental health evaluation?
- When should you receive a mental health assessment?
- Where can you find a psychological evaluation in New Jersey?
What is a Mental Health Assessment?
Mental health services require careful planning and a lot of background information. To create a treatment plan that suits a client’s needs, mental health professionals need to know what symptoms they are experiencing, how long they’ve been dealing with symptoms, family history, and more. To gather this information, mental health assessments are used.
Mental health assessments serve the following purposes:
- Diagnosing a mental illness
- Determining the severity and impact of your symptoms
- Developing a treatment plan that suits your needs
Once you’ve completed a mental health assessment, the facilitator can refer you to an inpatient treatment program, outpatient therapy, a psychiatrist, or a combination of the three. In other words, assessments help you kickstart your mental health journey.
When Should You Get a Mental Health Evaluation?
You should seek a mental health evaluation if you are experiencing symptoms that impact your daily life. For example, symptoms of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, and an inability to complete daily tasks all indicate you need mental health support.
If you notice the following symptoms, you should consider getting a mental health assessment:
- Dealing with frequent anxiety
- Feeling depressed more often than not
- Experiencing mood swings that cannot be attributed to a normal cause
- Changes in habits like disrupted sleep schedules, appetite changes, or a lack of motivation
- Feeling like you cannot experience pleasure, even during activities you used to enjoy
- An increase in alcohol or drug abuse
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Having unusual thoughts or delusions
- Experiencing visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
Mental health assessments are useful whether you are dealing with everyday feelings of anxiety or something more severe like psychosis or suicidal ideation. In other words, no symptoms are too small or too big to reach out for an evaluation.
Where to Find a Mental Health Assessment Near You
If you are looking for personalized care, getting a mental health assessment is the first step. This process can jumpstart the diagnosing and treating process for a wide variety of mental health conditions. But where can you find a mental health assessment in New Jersey?
The following professionals can provide you with a mental health evaluation:
- Primary Care Physicians- If you see a primary care physician, you can ask them to complete a mental health assessment. If they believe you have a mental health condition, they can refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist for treatment.
- Therapists- Therapists usually complete mental health assessments when you begin attending therapy. If they are a licensed psychologist, they are qualified to diagnose. The only time they’d need to refer you is if you require inpatient treatment or medication from a psychiatrist.
- Psychiatrists- If you go to a psychiatrist in hopes of receiving medication, they will complete a mental health evaluation to determine your diagnosis, what type of medication is right for you, and what dosage you need based on the severity of your symptoms.
- Social Workers- Social workers are also qualified to complete psychological assessments. Some of them offer therapy, however, they might refer you to another mental health professional for further treatment.
- Mental Health Treatment Centers- Lastly, if you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms and attend a mental health treatment center, you will undergo an assessment when you arrive at the facility. Your assessment will be used to guide your treatment plan and create your care team.
If you are in need of a mental health assessment and want an accurate diagnosis, Renewed Light Mental Health is here to help. We offer in-depth mental health evaluations to provide a diagnosis, create a treatment plan, and determine whether you require medication.
Receive a Confidential Mental Health Evaluation in New Jersey
When you are seeking mental health care, the first step is a psychological assessment. At Renewed Light Mental Health, we can offer you a confidential and thorough mental health evaluation that will guide your recovery journey in our treatment program.
Contact us today for more information on how to receive a mental health assessment in New Jersey.
References:
- The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Mental Illness
- The American Psychiatric Association (APA): Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness