[sadeyesr4ever]

What is the difference between a psych evauation and a therapy session?

[sunrise]

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.

[sadeyesr4ever]

hmmmm I wonder why my family doctor didn't do the evauation, he referred me to a psychiatrist for the evauation?

[purplemoon]

I think it is common that alot of MD's won't do the evaluations. I think a lot of them are more comfortable with a specialist doing this. I know my MD is very happy that I have PsyD. He will prescribe but always encourages the me seeing the T. He also had me take my son to PsyD for an ADD evaluation - I think he recognizes that they are experts in the field of Mental Health - I wouldn't question if he sent me a specialist in another field and I don't think mental health is any different. Just my 2 cents.

[sadeyesr4ever]

Thank you both for your replies, you were both very informative, thank you!

[sunrise]

My daughter's doctor did the initial evaluation so she knew what kind of specialist to refer my daughter to. She didn't know if she should refer to a psychiatrist or psychologist until she did the evaluation. I am sure the psychologist my daughter sees will also do an evaluation of her own. Sorry to not be clearer the first time!