A Mental Health assessment refers to collecting information and drawing conclusions, using observation, psychological tests, and interviews to identify symptoms, provide diagnosis, and plan treatment.
A Mental Health assessment is designed to explore symptoms associated with mental health conditions, ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, mood, personality and eating disorders, through to thought disorder and at-risk behaviours. They will also explore an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours that have been affecting them, as well as explore any events that may have triggered the symptoms, such as, situational crisis, unexpected traumatic event, or death of a loved one. Mental Health assessments will also explore how often a person presents with symptoms and the situations in which they are most prevalent.
A Mental Health assessment will help to identify a possible diagnosis, areas for treatment, need for safety intervention and referral to other services, as well as provide structure for therapy.