Are you new to therapy or want to look into different types of treatment for your recovery? Then you may have a few questions about the first steps to take. One of them may be about the mental health evaluation, which is a common, yet misunderstood initial step.
 
Yes, it can sound a bit intimidating, but this is a simple way for a psychologist, psychiatrist,  or other healthcare provider to know more about what you might be currently going through. So read on to learn more about the mental health evaluation so you know what to expect!

A mental health evaluation is like a psychological assessment. This is where a medical professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or even family doctor, will check to see if his patient is currently experiencing a mental health issue. 
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The evaluation would involve various components, including:
 
            •           Verbally answering questions
            •           Taking a physical test
            •           Completing a questionnaire
 
This is the first step and line of defense when looking for treatment for mental illnesses.
 
Also, these evaluations are used by psychologists to see the exact nature and extent of one's mental health disorder. Other evaluation tools may also help professionals gain insight into one's personality.
 
But not to worry, as no medical health professional will ever judge you for the results. They are actually working with you to help understand and manage the symptoms and issues that impact your life.
 
What makes these tests a bit more comforting is if you think of it as taking any type of medical test for physical illnesses.
 
Let’s say, you suffer from physical symptoms. A doctor would order blood tests or X-rays to understand what causes your symptoms and the treatment plan for it.
 
Mental health evaluations do the same thing, with mental health professionals utilizing these tools and tests to measure and observe behavior. Once they have the results from observing your behavior, they will diagnose you and find appropriate treatment accordingly to specific issues you have.

Mental health evaluations may have different components, such as behavioral observations, checklists, formal questionnaires, interviews, surveys, and more. The depth of mental health evaluation done will depend on the patient and what’ has to be assessed.
 
Usually, these evaluations would take between 20-90 minutes, depending on why you are being evaluated. They can be taken in-person or virtually, depending on your situation. Meantal health evaluation online is becoming more common. 

​To help you get a gist of what to expect from mental health evaluations, here are the different types:
 
            •           Physical exams are done to help determine if you have a physical disorder or neurological issue
            •           Lab tests may be done, such as blood work, brain scan, or urine test to, again, rule out physical disorders. You might also be asked about medicine, drug, and alcohol use to confirm that the symptoms you experience aren’t side effects
            •           The medical health professional will ask about your mental health history and personal history. They’ll ask how long you’ve been experiencing such symptoms, the medical history of mental health, psychiatric treatments received, as well as personal history and traumas
 • Mental evaluations will discuss your symptoms in more detail, focusing on your behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Your healthcare provider will observe how you appear and behave as he asks you questions to get more detail
 • Cognitive evaluation is different from mental evaluation, with your healthcare provider gauging your ability to recall information, use sound reasoning, and to think clearly. You'll most likely have tests to help with this
            •           Self-evaluations or self-assessments are done to get to know your thoughts, emotions, among other symptoms before getting support. This will help figure out what therapy you need as well as a preferred communication style you may want

Mental health evaluations are crucial to help determine what you may have and what you need to treat your symptoms and potential diagnosis. Just make sure that a licensed professional will administer the assessments to get an accurate response and result.
 
If you would like to receive a mental health evaluation, do reach out to our office to find out more

​Have you ever wondered, “what is neuropsychological testing and who is it done for?”
 
Read on to find out and immerse yourself into the world of neuropsychology, which combines our brain and behavior!

​Clinical neuropsychology is a field that has historical origins in psychology and neurology. A neuropsychologist would assess one’s brain functioning through structured and systematic observation of behavior. This is where neuropsychological tests come along.

Neuropsychological tests are designed to help examine different cognitive abilities, such as one's speed of information processing, attention, language, memory, as well as executive functions, all of which necessary for behavior.

Neuropsychological testing began in the 20th century, which was when the modern field of neuropsychology started to emerge. It was Ralph Reitan, an American neuropsychologist, who stated the importance of such tests to help guide the systematic observations of the relationship between the brain and one’s behavior. 
 
Before using neuroimaging techniques such as the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, professionals back then focused on diagnosis. Because there weren’t many non-surgical methods to observe brain lesions and structural abnormalities in the living, the tests were the only way to see what part of the brain affected the patient.
 
When testing one’s cognitive abilities and examining their patterns of performance in various cognitive areas, neuropsychologists will be able to make inferences regarding the underlying brain function.
 
They would be able to help identify syndromes and disorders associated with that particular area of their brain. Furthermore, these tests can also be used as screening tests, for medical professionals to see if they require more extensive diagnostic evaluations. It can also be used in elderly people who have memory issues, so doctors can identify those who are more at risk for dementia compared to those who experience the typical age-related memory problems.
 
The tests are a vital part of assessing and treating neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injuries, as well as dementia. Furthermore, neuropsychological testing is a vital tool to examine the effects of different toxic substances and medical conditions on how the brain functions.

​One would require these tests when their doctor finds out if a neurological disease or recent injury might have affected their brain.
 
For instance, a concussion, or for patients suspected to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Other conditions that may affect the brain (and require neuropsychological testing) include:
 
            •           Alzheimer’s disease
            •           Dementia
            •           Epilepsy
            •           Stroke
 
And other neurological conditions, both minor and severe.

​What Is the Procedure Like?
There are different kinds of tests that can be done, depending on your medical history, the particular symptoms experienced, as well as the potential diagnosis.
 
One of the most common types of neuropsychological testing is a mere screening test. It's also known as mini-mental exams, which are usually taken during your first neurological office visit, then taken yearly afterward.
 
If it is clinically indicated, then you may take a computerized test, with the results collecting valid and accurate brain and behavioral clinical endpoints. These would give medical professionals information between the patient’s brain function (from the central nervous system) and behavioral/neurocognitive dysfunction.
 
Again, if clinically indicated, then there may be formal neuropsychological testing required, with a neuropsychologist. This is done in patients who have more serious causes of brain trauma and injury, or neurodegenerative diseases.
 
Wrapping It Up
I hope that this quick and informative guide answered your question, "what is neuropsychological testing?" Let this be the beginning of learning more about the wonders of neuropsychology and the connections between our mind and the way we act!

​ADHD specialists are professionals who diagnose and treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The specialist may be a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a neurologist.
 
Though all of these can diagnose and treat the disease, only licensed and qualified physicians such as a psychiatrist or neurologist can prescribe medication and perform physical evaluations to identify potential alternative causes of symptoms.
 
If you are seeking counseling, you can choose a psychiatrist, psychologist, or an expert therapist. If you need medications, then you will need to see a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD medications. A national 2016 parent survey revealed that about 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADHD.
 
It is important to note that the problem may not end with the discovery and treatment of ADHD. You may need counseling sessions to change learned negative behaviors.

​-Obtains medical and family history
-Conducts or orders a neurological exam and/or a general physical
-A comprehensive interview with you and your child
-Use screening tools for ADHD
​-Observes child at school or play
​-Uses psychological tests to assess emotional and social behavior and to measure IQ

An ADHD specialist diagnoses ADHD in patients by identifying the following common symptoms of ADHD:
 
Common Inattention symptoms:

• Failing to give attention to detail and making frequent mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention while partaking in activities
• Failing to finish workplace duties or schoolwork
• Not able to listen when spoken with directly
• Difficulty organizing activities
• Avoids or is reluctant to engage in activities that demand mental effort
• Forgetful in day-to-day activities

 
Common Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms:

• Frequently taps feet and hands
• Leaves seat when seated is expected
• Unable to engage in leisure and recreational activities quietly
• Runs in situations where it is inappropriate
• Is always on the go
• Answers before someone complete the question
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Intrudes on or interrupts others
• Talks excessively

Follow these steps to find the best ADHD specialist for you or your child:

• Get recommendations: Your trustworthy therapists, doctors, and friends may refer you to a good specialist. Ask as many questions as you want about their recommendation and try them out.
• Do your homework: Research about professional certification and academic degrees of the recommended specialists. Have a conversation with former patients to find out their experience with the ADHD specialist.
• Be Comfortable: You must feel comfortable and open with the specialist. Be yourself and be honest with the specialist. 

​The specialist’s role
 
No laboratory or imaging tests unilaterally diagnose ADHD.  A thorough evaluation is needed to identify the correct diagnosis. Make sure you communicate with your physician openly and honestly. 

Are you willing to visit a psychiatrist to get a treatment plan for depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue but can’t go to the clinic due to mobility issues or a busy schedule?  Maybe you just prefer the convenience of seeing a board certified physician via a video conference.

Using telemedicine psychiatry, you can see an online psychiatrist in Texas that allows you to get the best treatment from the comfort of your home without having to disturb your schedule.

In this article, we’ll highlight a few important things you must keep in mind when choosing a telepsychiatrist in Texas.

With telepsychiatry, you can easily find the best online therapy for certain conditions including Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Clinical Psychiatry, Cognitive Therapy, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Child Psychiatry.

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Hopefully, you’ve learned all the important benefits of working with a psychiatrist online. Now, let’s take a look at the tips you may follow when choosing your Online Psychiatrist in Texas.

Choose at least 3 psychiatrists
Many psychiatrists are now providing their services online. So, you can easily choose the 3 best psychiatrists from the list of psychiatrists that are providing services online. Now, you need to prepare a chart where you can compare the services of these psychiatrists to choose the best professional for your needs.

You can add certain elements to this chart such as response time, skills,  experience, location, and cost. Based on the data you collect, you can decide which psychiatrist is best for your needs.

Ask them for Certifications
When you get in touch with the psychiatrists, you can research their certifications. You may need a general psychiatrist, or one that is certified in a specialty that you need.

Experience
Experience is another important factor you must consider when choosing a Texas online psychiatrist. Usually, people prefer choosing the most experienced psychiatrist from the list. But, with experience often comes increased cost. We recommend working with a psychiatrist that has at least two years of experience.

Reviews
You may also take help from reviews of the patients that have worked with these psychiatrists before. These reviews give a clear picture of how well the psychiatrist can solve your problem. However, you need to make sure that you’re choosing a psychiatrist from a reputable platform with real reviews.

Location
Although you’re choosing a psychiatrist online, we recommend considering choosing a person that is located near you. Thus, you’d easily be able to visit their clinic if the need arises.

Cost
The cost of each session also helps with deciding which psychiatrist is best for your needs. The benefit of working with an online psychiatrist is that they can sometimes have lower costs compared to traditional ones near your home. 

Conclusion
Working with an online psychiatrist is a bit different than online shopping because you’re supposed to trust someone with your health. Therefore, we’ve shared a detailed guide you may follow when choosing an online psychiatrist Texas. We’ve also shared the benefits you’d get while working with an online psychiatrist. We can help you if you’re still confused about finding a psychiatrist online. Please call and let us know how we can help you.

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​Social anxiety is something that all of us have experienced at one point in life. It is the feeling of being uncomfortable or nervous in a social situation. 
However, when the nervousness becomes severe in intensity or occurs too frequently, it can affect your ability to interact with others and it can influence your social behavior negatively. Social anxiety can also create an adverse impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. 
Hence, it is important to be aware of what social anxiety means and why it occurs so that you can take appropriate steps to avoid it. 

Patients who suffer from social anxiety often prefer to avoid any social events. Things usually considered “normal” by others such as making eye contact and small talk make them uncomfortable. They also tend to flush or feel physically anxious in the presence of others, especially strangers or people they feel intimidated by.
Some other symptoms of social anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Trembling of hands
• Increased sweating
• Shaky voice
• Dizziness
• Muscle tension
• Inability to your catch breath
• Stomach upset

​Each person with social anxiety experiences difficulties in interacting with others, but in different ways.
Here are some common situations in which you may have trouble:

• Speaking at public events
• Talking to strangers
• Going to parties
• Starting conversations
• Entering a room, especially when a number of people are already present
• Dating
• Going to school or work
• Making eye contact while talking
• Eating in front of other people

Not all of these situations cause discomfort in patients with social anxiety. For example; some people may be able to give a speech with confidence but going to a party seems like a nightmare to them. [1]
The symptoms and characteristics each patient experiences varies depending on their past experiences - both pleasant and unpleasant. [2]
For example, if they have bitter memories of how they were bullied at school, they may fear facing similar situations while at the workplace. This may lead to social anxiety that becomes worse while in meetings or giving a presentation.
On the other hand, if they have received praise for their talent and capabilities to make a presentation, they may not develop anxiety at the workplace. 

In most cases, the socially anxious people have reasons, usually an unpleasant event they have experienced, for dreading certain situations. [3]
However, in general, it is the overwhelming fear and anxiety of:

• Being humiliated and embarrassed
• Being judged by others
• Being the center of attention
  
• Offending someone accidentally

Social anxiety can compel you to avoid situations that people usually consider “normal”. This can prevent you from enjoying your life and create a sense of hopelessness.
Avoiding most or all social situations may even affect your personal relationships. Over a period of time, it can also lead to:

• Poor social skills
• Low self-esteem
• Increased sensitivity to criticism
• Depression

Hence, it is important to seek proper treatment in order to avoid the impact of social anxiety on your life. [4]

​In Conclusion, It is possible to control the symptoms of social anxiety by seeking appropriate treatment including counseling and behavioral therapy. The use of medications may be recommended in severe cases of social anxiety to help a person feel at ease.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#1
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
3. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder
4. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#2

​

The profession of psychiatry has a bit of an aura of mystery around it. What do the men and women of this profession actually do every day?

Psychiatrists first train as medical doctors, although their work involves human thinking, emotions, and behavior. The fact that psychiatrists work with these less tangible areas of human experiences perhaps makes their work seem more mysterious than a regular medical doctor dealing with a physical disease state.

Scientific discoveries in recent decades have broadened our understanding of mental health disorders, and we now know that thought, emotion, and behavior are rooted in the processes of the brain and nervous system. Disorders of thought, emotion, and behavior can often be treated with medications and a broad range of other psychotherapy treatment options.

In essence, a psychiatrist’s job is to evaluate people for mental disorders, offer a diagnosis, and set out a treatment or management plan for the patient’s benefit. In some cases, treatment means a total recovery from the problem. For others, effective management of symptoms is the goal in psychiatric care.

Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can utilize all types of medical tests and lab work to rule out physical diseases as the cause of the patient’s symptoms, and they can prescribe medications.
​
A psychiatrist’s advanced training in genetics and their understanding of family medical history allows them to provide a comprehensive evaluation of all factors involved in a patient’s condition. 
​

Psychiatrists work in private practices, mental health clinics, hospitals, prisons and rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and research settings at universities and in industries. Many also practice online psychiatry and see patients through a phone or computer. A psychiatrist’s daily work depends on where they work.

However, most psychiatrists have regular appointments with clients, whether they are in an out-patient office or an institutional location. Psychiatrists evaluate new patients to determine their condition and to make a diagnosis.

The evaluation may require medical tests like blood tests, x-rays, or cat-scans to see if a physical disease such as a brain tumor or neurological disorder underlies the person’s mental health symptoms.

A person whose mental health problems are arising from a physical disease may still need the help of a psychiatrist. For example, people with severe, chronic conditions often need medications for anxiety and depression, and prescribing and monitoring the use of these medications is one job of a psychiatrist.

When psychiatrists use medications to treat mental conditions, a psychiatrist’s job includes regularly monitoring the patient’s response to the drug and changing the prescription as the person’s symptoms improve or in response to side-effects.

Psychiatrists and their patients must work closely together to understand a medication’s effect on that person. The risks, benefits, side-effects, and outcomes require on-going evaluations by both the patient and the psychiatrist.

Besides prescribing medication, many psychiatrists also offer patients psychotherapy counseling and other forms of treatment, such as behavior modification, EMDR therapy, and desensitization therapy for phobias.
​
People who make the best psychiatrists are those with a high degree of empathy and patience who are also good at listening and communicating compassionately to a broad range of people. 

Psychiatrist References:
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/psychiatrist/
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry

A compassionate word to our community:
​
At the start of this global pandemic, I think most of us believed that social isolation and the virus would be short-term issues.  I had hoped that during this intermission from normal that I would quickly adapt, but with each passing week I am still surprised that we are facing the same social burdens as 4+ months ago.  Tomball and Harris County remain Covid-19 hotspots despite many adjustments.  As a nation, I hope we are moving back toward the road to normal.
 
The well-being of our patients is at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers as we battle this relatively new threat.  While the virus physically effects the body of those infected, the mental health toll continues to weigh on us all.  We are all attempting to manage change, social isolation, economic unrest, and other unique challenges to our mental health.  As a diverse community, there is no one healthy way to handle all of these changes.  As an individual, it is important to reflect on our emotions to determine how we are managing the isolation and associated frustrations. 
 
 
Rest assured that Your Family Psychiatrist is available to you during this crisis.  We continue to offer psychiatric and counseling services to patients via online appointments, and we hope to offer in-person services electively soon.  We encourage our patients to make use of our confidential and accessible options now rather than delay treatment.  If you are struggling during these unfamiliar conditions, please reach out to us at 281-849-4080.

For a person battling mental health issues, it can be difficult to talk to a psychiatrist in spite of knowing they can help  overcome stressful situations.

You may develop anxiety before meeting a psychiatrist and feel confused or unclear about what exactly you should discuss. You may also feel wary of discussing your personal life or any unpleasant events related to your past or present. As an anxiety doctor in Houston, I know that your hesitation or anxiety may create a kind of barrier between you and your psychiatrist thus taking it longer for you to recover. It will surely help to know some tips on how to talk to your psychiatrist so that you can receive the best treatment.

If you are planning to visit a psychiatrist or are already seeking treatment for mental health issues, read on to know the right way to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
​

• Prepare for the appointment

Before each appointment, prepare in advance the points you want to discuss. You can write down how you feel, the times you felt good or bad, and the possible factors or situations that increased your symptoms. [1]
This would help your psychiatrist offer effective suggestions to help you overcome your symptoms.

• Take your time

If you suffer from anxiety, you may not be quick to open up, especially during the first few visits. It's best to give yourself time to feel at ease while talking to your psychiatrist. [2]
You need not rush into discussing all that you feel. 

• Avoid hesitation

​You may feel nervous about discussing your personal life with your psychiatrist. The hesitation may lead you to hide some facts that could be crucial for your treatment. Remember that the events or experiences that hurt you the most could be responsible for your mental health issues. Hence, it is advisable to discuss your symptoms as well as past experiences with the psychiatrist to help him/her offer appropriate advice. [3]
However, if you feel any particular experience is too uncomfortable for you to share, you may avoid discussing it during the first visit. Over the next visits to the doctor, as you gain more confidence and start feeling comfortable, you can share the more painful experiences.

• Have an open mind

While discussing your concerns, be open to feedback and ideas that may be different from what you previously thought. Take your time to develop a bond so that you feel comfortable with the doctor. This will ensure you can discuss your concerns with an open mind and in a clear manner.

Conclusion

Your psychiatrist can provide you the strong bridge to cross from your current state of mental health to a happier state. You can follow the tips discussed above while talking to your psychiatrist. This will allow them to understand your concerns in a better way. It will also allow them to offer the best treatment to help you overcome your mental health issues more effectively.

If you are looking for a Texas Online Psychiatrist or a Psychiatrist in Houston, give us a call: 281-849-4080

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21969650/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096184/
https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/your-first-appointment
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