Assessment Services

Initial Consultation

An initial consultation process that may take one or more sessions is needed with each prospective patient.  This process allows us to determine if we are a good match as well as the unique needs, goals, appropriate treatment approaches, and may include a careful diagnostic assessment.  The consultation is concluded with a discussion of clinical impression as well as suitable treatment options with alternatives, and the risks and potential benefits involved.  However, even after the initial consultation, we will continue to update our assessment based on our work together as frequently as needed.

Similar to other branches of medicine, psychiatric diagnoses are helpful guides for approach to treatment.  However, no diagnosis can reflect the complexity of an individual, one's ability to cope, or what one can achieve in life.  Additionally, misuse of diagnostic labels can lead to stigma and misrepresentation, as well as delays in improvement and limitations of personal growth beyond resolving symptoms.  In our person-centered approach, we use diagnoses to help guide the treatment plan with the awareness of its limits.

As part of the assessment, several clinical questionnaires may or may not be used, and prior medical records may be reviewed.  An initial consultation does not guarantee a physician-patient relationship or treatment services.

Children and adolescents

The initial consultation of younger prospective patients are specially tailored based on their age and unique needs.  Typically, individual sessions with the youth and parent(s) are needed, sometimes to be complemented with additional family sessions.  The sessions with very young children, toddlers and infants may mostly or always involve the parent.  While younger ages are typically assessed with age-appropriate toys and games in play, a combination is used with older children.  Adolescents may need to have individual sessions before parent meetings.  Additionally, parents of children or adolescents with special needs or prior psychiatric or medical histories may be asked to bring past records, individualized education plans etc.

Couples and families

An initial consultation is also necessary for couple or family therapy and may involve individual as well as couple or family sessions. 

Other diagnostic assessments

There are circumstances in which a formal assessment by psychiatrist may be asked which may lead to a psychiatric evaluation report.  For example, a school might ask a student to be evaluated with the explicit consent of the legal guardian, or an adult or parent might seek a second opinion.  Such requests are considered on a case by case basis.