Your First Psychiatric Evaluation: It's Not as Scary as You Think

The phrase "psychiatric evaluation" can sound intimidating. Many people picture something from a movie — a cold clinical room, uncomfortable silences, and judgment. The reality is much more like a thorough health check-up, except the focus is on your mental and emotional well-being rather than your blood pressure.

If you're considering scheduling your first appointment with a psychiatrist in the Lilburn or Atlanta area, here's what to actually expect.

Why Get a Psychiatric Evaluation?

People seek psychiatric evaluations for many reasons — persistent anxiety, depression that won't lift, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, trauma, or simply feeling "off" for an extended period. You don't need to have a crisis to benefit from one. A psychiatric evaluation is the foundation for understanding what's going on and mapping out a treatment plan.

Common conditions assessed during evaluations include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression and mood disorders
• ADHD
• PTSD
• OCD
• Bipolar disorder
• And many others

Types of Psychiatric Evaluations

• Comprehensive evaluation: The most common type, done in an outpatient office like Next Step Psychiatry. This is your standard first appointment.
• Emergency evaluation: Conducted in an ER when someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others.
• Court-ordered evaluation: Required by the legal system for competency, custody, or criminal proceedings.

What Actually Happens?

Think of it as a detailed conversation. Your psychiatrist will ask about:

• Your current symptoms — what you're experiencing and how long it's been going on
• Your medical history, including any medications you're currently taking
• Your psychiatric history — previous diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations
• Family history of mental health conditions
• Your daily functioning — work, relationships, sleep patterns, substance use
• Your goals for treatment

There's no "right" or "wrong" answer. The goal is to understand your experience so your provider can offer the most effective treatment.

How to Prepare

• Write down your symptoms and when they started
• Bring a list of current medications and supplements
• Note any family history of mental health conditions
• Think about what you'd like to get from treatment
• Bring your insurance card and ID

Psychiatric Evaluations at Next Step Psychiatry

At our Lilburn office, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C, conduct thorough, compassionate evaluations. We treat patients from across Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, and the greater Atlanta metro area. Our services include medication management for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more — including Spravato treatment for treatment-resistant depression.