Psychiatric evaluations are conducted to assess a child's mental health and well-being.
These evaluations can be used to diagnose mental health disorders, to determine the need for
medication or other treatment, or to monitor the child's progress in treatment.
Psychiatric evaluations typically involve a clinical interview, a review of the child's
medical and mental health history, and a physical examination. The child's family and
friends may also be interviewed as part of the evaluation.
The clinical interview is the most important part of the evaluation. During the interview,
the clinician will ask the child about his or her symptoms, thoughts, and feelings.
The clinician will also ask about the child's family history of mental illness, as
well as any personal history of mental illness.
The review of the child's medical and mental health history will include a review of
any previous psychiatric evaluations, as well as any medical records. The clinician will also
ask about any medications the child is taking, as well as any alcohol or drug use.
The physical examination will assess the child's physical health and rule out any physical
causes of the child's symptoms. The examination will also assess the child's weight,
height, and vital signs.
After the evaluation is complete, the clinician will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
The treatment plan may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Psychiatric Evaluations