A first, careful conversation
Psychiatric evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a first, careful conversation about your symptoms, history, and goals. Dr. Martha Ochako offers evaluations in person and by telehealth. You leave with a clearer picture of what may be going on and what options exist.
Step by step
What a psychiatric evaluation covers
A thorough first visit looks at the whole picture.
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Talk
Your symptoms, sleep, and daily life.
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Share
Short questionnaires guide the talk.
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Plan
Options, and a next step that fits.
What it covers
What a psychiatric evaluation covers
A thorough first visit looks at the whole picture.
Your symptoms
What you feel and how long it has lasted.
Sleep, appetite, energy, mood
The everyday signs that show how you are doing.
Health and treatment history
Past treatment, health history, and current medicines.
Family and daily life
Family history, stress, and what a normal day looks like.
Your goals and questions
What you want to change, and what you want to ask.
Good to know
The questionnaires we use
Intake includes short screening questionnaires. They guide the talk. They do not diagnose you.
PHQ-9
A short questionnaire about mood.
GAD-7
A short questionnaire about worry and anxiety.
ISI
The Insomnia Severity Index asks about sleep.
MDQ
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire asks about mood swings.
ASRS
A short questionnaire about attention.
Questions
Questions about psychiatric evaluation
What does a psychiatric evaluation involve?
A conversation about your symptoms, history, current medicines, and goals, plus short questionnaires that guide the talk.
What should I bring?
Photo ID, your insurance card if you use insurance, a list of every medicine, vitamin, and supplement, names of past providers, and notes on your symptoms and questions.
How long is the first visit?
We will tell you what to expect for time when you book your visit.
Will I get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis, when appropriate, comes after the evaluation, not from a questionnaire alone.
Can I have an evaluation by telehealth?
Yes, in many cases. The North Carolina Medical Board holds telemedicine to the same standard of care as in-person care and notes an in-person exam may be needed in some cases.
Keep reading
Related pages
Ready when you are
Ready to take the first step?
Call us to get started. We will answer your questions and explain the next steps. Please keep health details for your visit.