What is a Mental Health Assessment?

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A mental health assessment gives your clinician or requesting source, a picture of your emotional state. It also looks at how well you are able to think, reason, and remember (cognitive functioning). Your clinician will ask you questions about both your past and present. You might answer some of the clinician's questions in writing. Your clinician will take note of how you look as well as your mood, behavior, thinking, reasoning, and memory, and how well you can express yourself.

 

Your clinician will also ask questions about how you get along with other people. This includes your family and friends. They will ask about any current symptoms or behaviors you might be experiencing.  These questions and observations are compiled into a formal assessment and a report that either stays in your medical record or is sent to the referral source that requested it.

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Why would I need a Mental Health Assessment?

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People are often ordered to receive a mental health assessment for custody hearings or disability cases. The Department of Community Based Services (DCBS), The Cabinet for Health and Family Safety (CHFS), and some employers as well as several other entities may also require an assessment. Your mental health assessment stays in your medical record unless you waive that right and release it to another person or establishment. 

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Does my insurance cover this assessment?

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If you have questions related to what is covered by insurance or your responsibility for a mental health assessment, please call our office and we would be happy to help you!

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