WHAT TESTS ARE CARRIED OUT DURING A PSYCHOLOGICAL MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT (PMHA)?

The clinical examinations utilized will differ from person to person depending on the grounds for getting a PMHA. Individuals wanting an evaluation prior to aesthetic surgery, for example, will require a different examination than those requesting an assessment to aid them in changing jobs or coping with anxiety or depression induced by a difficult work environment.

A variety of diagnostic methods, including a semi-structured interview called the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), can be employed. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) is a guide for making the key DSM-5 diagnoses during an interview (depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders). A physician or trained mental health practitioner who is knowledgeable with the DSM-5 categorization and diagnostic criteria administers it.

A psychological assessment also includes a review of the client's mental health background and history and their present psychological profile, which provides the psychologist with an up-to-date picture of the individual's current mental health. This information may then be utilized to promptly and confidentially produce an accurate care plan. Where feasible, the report will include a treatment/care plan as well as a reasonable prognosis. Although this was created for those with mental health issues, it may be customized for people who do not identify as mentally ill or as patients.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

A highly qualified Registered Psychologist who is a mental health expert conducts the evaluation. The evaluation is objective, unbiased, and private.

Reports are intended for your personal use to enhance self-understanding, direct future counseling, or boost self-esteem.

Reports may be shared with employers, GPs, family members, or, in the case of students, University well-being teams if desired.