Mental Health Assessment & Treatment

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Mental health is important for our well-being. We all have ups and downs, but sometimes we need to figure out the best way to handle them. A mental health assessment can help you find support, whether that's seeing a therapist, taking medication, or both!

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What is Mental Health Assessment and What Does it Entail?

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Typically, an intake assessment is the first stage of the treatment process. The combination of information from your online intake forms and our first session together help us develop a plan for treatment together. 

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Types of Mental Health Assessments

 

The types of mental health assessments vary and act differently for different age groups and presented concerns.

 

Adult Assessment

 

Online intake forms are completed by clients prior to first session. Additional psychometric testing can be done along with intake assessment. 

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Child Assessment

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Children can be assessed for mental health problems, but they need support from an adult or parent. The professional will ask the guardian what they think the child's experience is before conducting any tests or observations. A pediatrician can help support this process, but it's important to find a specialist in mental health care for children.

 

How to Get Ready for a Mental Health Assessment

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Nothing special is required to prepare for an evaluation, but it may help to think about the reasons for the assessment. Writing in a journal before the evaluation may also be helpful.

 

Some things to think about include:

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• Mental health symptoms

• Troubling thoughts and behavior

• Events may make the symptoms worse.

• How long do the symptoms last?

• How often do the symptoms occur?

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It is also important to think about what the goals and expectations of therapy are.

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How Long Does a Mental Health Assessment Last?

 

The length of a psychiatric evaluation mostly depends on the person undergoing the evaluation. The number and type of tests conducted also affect the duration. 

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The Benefits of Mental Health Treatment

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• Improved communication and interpersonal skills.

• Greater insight and self-awareness.

• Increased confidence and self-esteem.

• Development of coping mechanisms and decision-making skills.

• Improved ability to problem-solve.

• Better conflict resolution and emotional regulation.

 

How Do I Find the Right Mental Health Treatment?

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If you are looking for a mental health provider, you should look for providers that have experience with your needs.

 

When considering whom to see for therapy, take a few minutes to ask about their approach and philosophy. They might specialize in family counselling or coping with the loss of a loved one. If you feel comfortable talking to the counsellor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.

 

Your counsellor will assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment to help you on your first visit. He/she will ask about what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, and with whom you live. They might also want to know about your family, friends, or day-to-day routine. This information helps him/her identify any potential problems in order to find a solution. This is considered a biopsychosocial approach. 

 

Focus Forward Therapy Group in Ottawa has a multidisciplinary team to best support you needs. 

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Shocking Data on Mental Illness in Canada

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According to Canadian Living Data, mental illnesses affect 6.7 million Canadians annually. That means, about 1 in 5 Canadians (that’s 6.7 million of us) are affected by mental illness each year. It is worrisome and there is more depth to this. Read more

 

Conclusion

 

If someone you know is struggling with their mental health, they should seek out professional help. A mental health assessment can help identify the root of the problem and develop a plan for treatment. If you're not sure where to start, consider talking to your doctor or reaching out to a mental health hotline.