Psychiatric Evaluation

At MetroWest Medical Center, finding an emergency mental health assessment for you or a loved one is easy. We’re here for you, providing 24/7 access to our emergency mental evaluation and substance-abuse care for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

What is a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is a diagnostic process that helps physicians identify behavioral problems, memory issues and issues with a person’s thought process. A psychiatric evaluation may involve a psychological test, physical examination, medical evaluation, observational data, surveys, interview, looking at school or medical records and more.

 This diagnostic process helps psychiatrists:

  • Identify and prevent mental health issues that may arise again in the future
  • Confirm the diagnosis of a mental health condition
  • Identify and rule out physical illnesses that may be causing or contributing to the patient’s symptoms
  • Involve the patient when making decisions about his/her treatment plan
  • Make changes in the patient’s treatment plan (if applicable)

The tests and screenings a person may experience during a psychiatric evaluation may vary depending on the patient’s symptoms, family history, age and medical records.

Who Needs a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation may sound intimidating, but it’s actually designed to help someone who’s experiencing symptoms of a mental condition such as:

  • Apathy
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Having insomnia or oversleeping
  • Having suicidal thoughts or wanting to hurt oneself or others
  • Inability to carry out day-to-day tasks (going to school, working at the office, etc.)
  • Isolation
  • Overeating or not eating at all
  • Substance abuse
  • Uncontrolled fear and suspiciousness of others
  • Worrying excessively

Some of the mental conditions that may be diagnosed during a psychiatric evaluation include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Postnatal depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychotic illnesses
  • Schizophrenia
  • Social anxiety disorder

If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to our psychiatric evaluation team as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and advice for treatment.

Our Psychiatric Evaluation Team

Our psychiatric evaluation team at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick is comprised of experienced clinicians and substance abuse counselors. We know that mental disorders and substance abuse may lead to life-threatening circumstances, so we work hard to provide the help and care you or your loved one may need, any time you need them.

Get Evaluated

If you or someone you love are experiencing signs of a mental disorder or are suffering from substance abuse, please reach out to our psychiatric evaluation team or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists as early as possible. We have an inpatient mental health unit located at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick, where you can get the compassionate care and treatment you deserve. Call 508-650-7339 for more information.

Find Immediate Help

In case of a psychiatric emergency such as a suicide attempt or a violent behavior, please immediately call our assessment team at 508-650-7339. You may also refer patients through this phone number. Your safe care is our #1 priority.

Find a Psychiatrist

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