PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION

What is a Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation?

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and the first session is all about getting to know you. A psychiatric diagnostic evaluation is simply a conversation where we explore what’s been going on in your life, what challenges you’re facing, and what kind of support might help you feel better.

What to Expect

During this first meeting, we’ll talk about things like:

• Your current concerns—what brought you in and what you’d like to work on.
• Your story—important experiences, your background, and what’s shaped you.
• Your overall well-being—how you’ve been feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically.
• Your support system—the people, activities, and resources that are part of your life.
• Your goals—what you hope to get out of therapy and the changes you’d like to see.

Sometimes, we may use short questionnaires to help guide the conversation, but mostly it’s a chance for you to share your experiences in a safe, supportive space.

Why It Matters

This first step helps us build a clear picture of your needs and strengths. From there, we can create a personalized plan together—one that feels realistic, supportive, and centered on your goals. It’s less about labels and more about understanding you so we can move forward in a way that feels right.