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The Difference Between a Psychiatric Evaluation and a Therapy Session

People who need mental health care face challenges when they do not understand which specific appointment type they require. The two main services which include psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions operate with distinct functions which support each other. The knowledge of their differences enables you to choose proper medical care while you understand what to expect during your appointments.The two programs share their dedication to mental health support but they operate with distinct frameworks and treatment goals.

What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation which also goes by the names psychiatric assessment or diagnostic evaluation represents a detailed medical assessment which psychiatric providers, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, perform. This type of visit is the beginning of establishing outpatient psychiatric care. The main reason for this visit involves both disease identification and the development of treatment strategies.The duration of psychiatric evaluations exceeds standard medical check-ups because they require 60 to 90 minutes for the first evaluation. The provider collects complete information during this period, including:
  • Current symptoms and concerns
  • Mental health history
  • Medical history and medications
  • Family psychiatric history
  • Substance use history
  • Social, occupational, and developmental factors
The provider conducts a mental status examination to evaluate how the patient thinks and feels and how they pay attention and remember things and understand their situation.The final stage of psychiatric evaluation brings patients the following results:
  • A clinical diagnosis (when appropriate)
  • Discussion of treatment options
  • The evaluation process should include psychiatric medication assessment when appropriate.
  • Recommendations for therapy, lifestyle changes, or further testing
The evaluation process for psychiatric patients becomes essential when they show signs of developing new symptoms or when their current symptoms worsen or become complicated or when doctors need to prescribe medication.

What Is a Therapy Session?

A therapy session (also known as psychotherapy or counseling) provides continuous emotional and psychological support which helps patients develop new skills and achieve personal development. The delivery of therapy services requires professionals who hold licenses to practice as therapists or psychologists or counselors or social workers.

The duration of therapy sessions usually extends from 30 to 60 minutes while patients receive treatment at scheduled intervals which include weekly and biweekly and monthly sessions based on their specific requirements.

Therapy sessions focus on different aspects than medical diagnosis and drug prescription:
  • Exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
  • Identifying patterns and triggers
  • Developing coping strategies and skills
  • Improving relationships and communication
  • Processing trauma, stress, or life transitions
The treatment methods for this condition include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy and trauma-informed therapies and additional approaches.The most effective results from therapy emerge through a prolonged treatment period which surpasses individual sessions.

Key Differences Between a Psychiatric Evaluation and Therapy

The two services maintain their importance for mental health treatment yet they operate with distinct characteristics.
  1. Purpose
    2.

    The main purpose of psychiatric evaluation involves both disease identification and development of treatment plans for medical care. The main goal of therapy involves helping patients understand their emotions while gaining self-awareness and learning new ways to behave.

  2. Provider Role
    3.

    Medical psychiatric providers who have the authority to write prescriptions perform psychiatric evaluations. The therapists who lead therapy sessions use talk-based interventions instead of medication prescription during their sessions.

  3. Frequency
    4.

    The standard practice for psychiatric evaluations includes single occurrences or rare instances but patients need to return for medication management sessions when necessary. The therapy program includes continuous sessions which take place at fixed intervals.

  4. Outcome
    5.

    Psychiatric evaluations produce both diagnostic results and therapeutic intervention suggestions. The main goal of therapy sessions involves achieving progressive development through the acquisition of new skills and the development of self-awareness and emotional assistance.

Do You Need One or Both?
Optimal treatment of various mental health conditions including depression and anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder and ADHD and PTSD and other mood and thought disorders often requires patients to receive psychiatric care together with psychotherapy.

For example:
  • A psychiatric provider will diagnose and write prescriptions to control symptoms.
  • The therapist would assist the patient to acquire coping techniques while helping them handle their emotions and establish permanent behavioral modifications.
  • These services function optimally when healthcare providers use them to support complete treatment strategies.
  • A psychiatric evaluation serves as an excellent starting point when you are unsure about which service to begin because it helps doctors establish medical diagnoses which lead to proper treatment recommendations.

Choosing the Right Starting Point

You should undergo psychiatric evaluation when you experience any of the following situations:

Experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
Currently taking psychiatric medication or planning to start psychiatric medication.
The exact diagnosis which matches your current symptoms remains unclear to me.

You should think about seeking therapy when you experience:

I need help to manage my stress and grief and navigate through major life changes.
Wanting to develop coping skills or improve relationships.
I need continuous emotional support which does not require any prescription medication.
Final Thoughts
Mental health care benefits from psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions which operate as separate essential components. The knowledge of these differences will help you avoid mistakes while it will lead to better results and enable you to become more involved in your medical care.
Pima Behavioral Health provides patients with individualized care through team-based treatment to connect them with appropriate services for their requirements. We specialize in psychiatric medication management at our practice, but our team members are happy to assist you in determining which appointment type suits your needs to help you get the most benefit from outpatient psychiatric care.