Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation in Oklahoma City
Mental Health Assessments
Chidi Hezkiah, LPC, LADCMH, IAADC, provides a comprehensive mental health evaluation conducted to support the assessment, diagnosis, and development of appropriate treatment recommendations and referrals. This evaluation is completed using evidence-based clinical assessment tools. It is commonly used to meet legal and administrative requirements, including court proceedings, attorney requests, probation conditions, and Department of Human Services (DHS) referrals.
What You Need to Know About Mental Health Evaluation
Comprehensive Assessment: A mental health evaluation provides a thorough assessment of your emotional, psychological, and behavioral health to better understand your concerns and overall functioning.
Evidence-Based Process: Licensed mental health professionals use clinical interviews, standardized screening tools, and evidence-based assessment methods to ensure an accurate and comprehensive evaluation.
Personalized Recommendations: The evaluation includes individualized treatment recommendations, referrals, and resources based on your unique needs, goals, and clinical findings.
Legal and Administrative Use: Evaluations are commonly requested for court proceedings, probation requirements, diversion programs, attorney referrals, child welfare cases, and other legal or administrative purposes.
Confidential and Professional: Your evaluation is conducted in a private, respectful, and confidential setting in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional ethical standards. Your report or any other information obtained during your assessment will not be shared with anyone unless you sign a release of information (ROI) for the entity you want your information released to.
Your evaluation report may not be available immediately following your appointment. At the conclusion of your assessment, you will receive an estimated completion date. If your evaluation requires multiple appointments, the estimated completion date will be provided after your final session. Even if your assessment is completed in one day, you may need to come back for a follow-up appointment to review your report with the clinician.
Supports Treatment Planning: The results provide a clear foundation for developing an effective treatment plan, whether that includes therapy, medication management, community resources, or additional services.
Is Mental Health Evaluation the Same as Psychological Evaluation or Psychological Testing?
No. While these services are related, they are not the same.
A mental health evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment that focuses on your emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being. It typically includes a clinical interview, a review of your personal and medical history, discussion of current symptoms, and evidence-based screening tools. The goal is to determine whether a mental health condition is present and to develop appropriate treatment recommendations, referrals, or documentation for legal, medical, or personal needs.
A psychological evaluation or psychological testing is a more in-depth assessment that uses standardized psychological tests to measure areas such as cognitive functioning, intelligence, memory, attention, personality, learning abilities, or specific psychological conditions. These evaluations are often used to clarify complex diagnoses or answer specialized referral questions, and they are conducted by Licensed Psychologists.
Depending on your concerns, a mental health evaluation may be all that's needed. However, if additional information is necessary to better understand your symptoms or functioning, your clinician may recommend a comprehensive psychological evaluation or psychological testing.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Mental Health Evaluation
Be Honest and Open: The more accurately you describe your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and experiences, the better your clinician can understand your needs and provide appropriate recommendations. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers.
Bring Important Information: If available, bring a photo ID, a list of current medications, previous mental health and substance abuse records, medical history, and any referral or legal documents related to your evaluation.
Reflect on Your Symptoms: Before your appointment, take a few moments to think about when your symptoms began, how often they occur, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life, work, school, or relationships.
Arrive Prepared and On Time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork. If your evaluation is virtual, test your internet connection, camera, and microphone beforehand to help ensure a smooth appointment.
Write Down Your Questions: Your evaluation is an opportunity to better understand your mental health. Consider writing down any questions you have about the evaluation process, treatment options, referrals, or what to expect after your assessment.
Get a Good Night's Sleep: Aim for a full night's rest before your appointment. Being well-rested can help you think more clearly, recall important information, and fully participate in the evaluation.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Personal and Family History: Your clinician may ask about your medical history, previous mental health or substance abuse treatment, family mental health or substance abuse history, significant life events, current substance use, and current stressors. Thinking about these topics beforehand can help the evaluation proceed more smoothly.
Bring a Support Person if Appropriate: If it would help you feel more comfortable, ask in advance whether you may bring a trusted family member or friend. Depending on the purpose of the evaluation, they may provide additional information or simply offer support before or after your appointment.
Set Aside Enough Time: Comprehensive mental health evaluations often take longer than a typical therapy session. Avoid scheduling other commitments immediately afterward so you can fully focus on the evaluation without feeling rushed. If you opted to complete your assessment in one day rather than over multiple sessions, allow at least 3 hours for the process.
Eat and Hydrate Well: Be sure to eat and hydrate well before your assessment. Your clinician may provide you with a beverage such as water, coffee, or tea. The assessment process takes longer than a typical therapy session. Therefore, eating and hydrating well before the assessment can help keep you focused and comfortable through the process.
Remember that the Evaluation Is the First Step Toward Care: A mental health evaluation is designed to better understand your concerns and identify the most appropriate next steps. Whether you receive treatment recommendations, referrals, or simply greater clarity about your symptoms, the information gathered during the evaluation helps create a path toward achieving your mental health goals.
Mental Health Evaluation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a mental health evaluation?
A mental health evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to understand your emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being. The evaluation helps identify mental health conditions and guides treatment recommendations.
Who should get a mental health evaluation?
Mental Health Assessment is commonly used to meet legal and administrative requirements, including court proceedings, attorney requests, probation conditions, and Department of Human Services (DHS) referrals. Anyone experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression, mood changes, trauma, relationship difficulties, or behavioral concerns may benefit from a mental health evaluation.
What happens during a mental health evaluation?
During the evaluation, you'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, mental health and substance abuse history, family background, current concerns, and daily functioning. Standardized assessment tools will also be used to provide a thorough clinical picture.
How long does a mental health evaluation take?
A comprehensive mental health evaluation takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of your concerns and the purpose of the assessment. If you choose to complete your assessment in one day, prepare for at least 3 hours. You and the clinician might break it down into two visits.
How much does mental health evaluation cost?
The fee for the assessment is $500. Because we block a number of hours for you and do not schedule anyone else during those hours, we require a $250 deposit to reserve that time for you. We collect the remaining balance when you come in for your assessment.
Do I need a referral for a mental health evaluation?
In many cases, no referral is required. However, some insurance plans, employers, attorneys, courts, or government agencies may request or require one.
Is a mental health evaluation confidential?
Yes. Mental health evaluations are confidential and protected by privacy laws. Information is shared only with your written consent, unless disclosure is required by law.
Can a mental health evaluation be used for court?
Yes. Mental health evaluations are frequently requested for legal matters, including court proceedings, probation requirements, custody cases, diversion programs, and attorney referrals.
Can a mental health evaluation help with probation or diversion programs?
Yes. Courts and probation officers often require mental health evaluations to determine treatment needs, assess risk factors, and support rehabilitation planning.
What should I bring to my mental health evaluation?
Bring a photo ID, a list of current medications, any previous mental health or substance abuse records, if available, the assessment fee, and any legal or referral documents related to the evaluation.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Comprehensive evaluations include a written report summarizing clinical findings, diagnoses (when appropriate), treatment recommendations, and referrals if needed.
How should I prepare for a mental health evaluation?
Prepare by thinking about your symptoms, when they began, major life events, medical history, previous treatment, medications, and any questions you would like to discuss with the clinician.
Are mental health evaluations covered by insurance?
No. This kind of evaluation is not covered by insurance. However, if you have an HSA or FSA card, you can use it to pay for your assessment.
Can I request a mental health evaluation for someone else?
Chidi does not provide mental health evaluations for minors. Adults generally must consent to their own evaluation unless otherwise ordered by a court or authorized by law.
What is the difference between a mental health evaluation and therapy?
A mental health evaluation focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Therapy is an ongoing process designed to help individuals manage symptoms, develop coping skills, and improve overall mental health.
What happens after my mental health evaluation?
After the evaluation, you'll receive a report of the findings, along with recommendations for treatment, therapy, medication management, community resources, or additional psychological testing, if appropriate.
Can a mental health evaluation diagnose anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions?
Yes. Licensed mental health professionals use clinical interviews, standardized assessments, and diagnostic criteria to determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Why would an attorney or court request a mental health evaluation?
Legal professionals may request an evaluation to better understand an individual's mental health status, treatment needs, or other factors relevant to a legal case.
How do I schedule a mental health evaluation?
Scheduling is simple. Call the number below to discuss your needs, determine the appropriate type of evaluation, verify payment, and arrange an appointment with Chidi hezkiah, LPC, LADCMH, IAADC, ADSAC Assessor.