My daughter just had a mental health evaluation from her family doctor. In this appointment, she was asked various questions about her mental health. This included a frequently used assessment for depression (a rote series of questions). Based on my daughter's answers and affect, the doctor made a preliminary diagnosis and assessment of my daughter that enabled her to refer her to the correct specialist (e.g. psychologist, family counselor, or psychiatrist). No therapy was provided at this mental health evaluation appointment.

The evaluation lets them know what your next step is and what professional(s) you need to see.

At a therapy session, you work on your presenting problems with a trained psychotherapist.