Where to Get a Mental Health Evaluation Near Me

If you're searching for where to get a mental health evaluation near me, you are probably looking for some answers about changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or ability to manage everyday life. A mental health evaluation can help you better understand what you're experiencing so you can determine what kind of support is right for you.  

The right place for your mental health evaluation depends on what you're hoping to learn. Some evaluations focus on understanding symptoms and exploring treatment options, while others involve more comprehensive psychological testing to determine a diagnosis. 

Sagent Behavioral Health offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychological testing for children and adults. With in-person clinics throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin, we can help you explore the next step toward understanding your mental health. 

Where Can I Get a Mental Health Evaluation? 

There are several places you can go for a mental health evaluation. The place that's right for you depends on your concerns and type of assessment you're looking for.  

Common starting places include: 

• Mental health clinic: Behavioral health organizations like Sagent can connect you with therapists, psychiatric providers, and psychological testing services without having to navigate multiple organizations or services on your own.  

• Licensed psychologists: Psychologists can conduct psychological assessments and testing to uncover emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning concerns.  

• Primary care providers: Your primary care provider can discuss your concerns and perform an initial screening. From there, they can help determine if a referral to a mental health specialist could be beneficial. 

What's the Difference Between a Psychiatric Evaluation and Psychological Testing?  

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, psychiatric evaluations and psychological testing serve different purposes. 

Psychiatric Evaluations 

A psychiatric evaluation helps a provider understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and overall well-being. Your provider might ask about your mood, thoughts, behaviors, or any concerns affecting your quality of life.  

Psychological Testing 

Psychological testing involves a more in-depth assessment using interviews and specialized tests to understand how you learn, think, and process information. 

Testing might be helpful when you need additional information to clarify a diagnosis, understand attention or learning challenges, or explore potential mental health diagnoses.  

When Should I Consider Getting a Mental Health Evaluation? 

If you are concerned about changes in behaviors, thoughts or emotions in yourself or a loved one, additional support can help you understand what is happening.  

For example, a mental health evaluation might be helpful if you're experiencing:  

• Persistent sadness, worry or irritability 

• Changes in sleep or energy levels 

• Difficulty concentrating or managing tasks 

• Mood changes that feel difficult to understand or control 

• Behavioral or emotional changes that concern you or your loved ones 

• Symptoms that haven't gotten better with supports you've already received 

Evaluations may also help when you're looking for clarity about a possible diagnosis like ADHD or autism.  

What Happens During an Evaluation?  

The evaluation process depends on the assessment, but it generally involves gathering information about your experiences, current symptoms, and personal history.  

A psychiatric evaluation might include questions about:  

• Your current symptoms and what prompted you to seek support 

• Your mental and physical health history 

• Family history and any previous mental health treatments 

• Your personal goals and concerns  

Psychological testing might involve an initial interview, multiple testing sessions, and a meeting to go over the results. It's important to remember that an evaluation isn't a test that you pass, fail, or need to prepare for. Its purpose is to give your provider a clearer picture of your experience so they can guide your care. 

Where Can I Get a Mental Health Evaluation Near Me at Sagent? 

Sagent offers two services that can help you better understand your mental health needs. 

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations  

Sagent's psychiatric team takes time to understand your experiences and symptoms, and will work with you to identify the next steps. Psychiatric evaluations can help individuals experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma or other mental health concerns.  

You can request a psychiatry appointment online or give us a call to connect with our intake team. We will ask a few questions that will help us schedule you with a psychiatric provider who specializes in your needs.  

Psychological Testing  

Sagent offers psychological testing for individuals ages 3 and older. Our evaluations can help clarify mental health diagnoses, evaluate for ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, and help you understand your cognitive and emotional functioning.  

The process typically includes an initial interview, testing sessions and a results appointment. Your evaluation team will review the findings and explain how the information can support your care.  

A referral from your current therapist or primary care provider is a common starting point for psychological testing.  

How Do I Schedule a Mental Health Evaluation at Sagent?  

If you're looking for a psychiatric evaluation, you can submit an appointment request online or call Sagent at (866) 938-4159. Our intake team will help connect you with an appropriate provider.  

For psychological testing, you can discuss with your current therapist or primary care provider about submitting a referral. We are also here to help answer questions about the process. 

It's not always easy to understand what you're experiencing or know where to turn for help. A mental health evaluation can be a meaningful first step toward getting answers and finding care that fits your needs. 

Ready for some answers? Contact Sagent today to explore your evaluation options and to take the next step toward support.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I get a mental health evaluation near me? 

You can get a mental health evaluation through a mental health clinic, psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care provider. Sagent Behavioral Health offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychological testing at locations throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

How long does a mental health evaluation take? 

The length of an evaluation depends on the type of assessment and your individual needs. A psychiatric evaluation typically takes place during an appointment with your provider. Psychological testing may involve an initial interview, testing sessions, and a separate appointment to discuss the results. 

Can a mental health evaluation diagnose anxiety, depression, or ADHD? 

A mental health evaluation can help a qualified provider determine whether symptoms may be related to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Depending on your concerns, the provider may recommend a psychiatric evaluation, psychological testing, or additional assessment to clarify a diagnosis and guide treatment.