What types of psychiatric evaluations are available?
There are many components to a psychiatric evaluation, and the type of assessment you receive is guided by your specific symptoms, history, and concerns. Dr. May often integrates multiple evaluation approaches to best support your unique needs, providing a more thorough and accurate path to diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the more common approaches in individual psychotherapy include:
- Mood and Emotional Wellbeing
- Attention, Focus, and Executive Functioning (ADHD)
- Anxiety and Stress Responses
- Behavioral and Thought Patterns
- Sleep, Appetite, and Physical Health Indicators
- Family and Social History
What is psychiatric evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive, one-on-one assessment conducted by Dr. May to better understand your mental health. Think of it as the foundation of your care — a dedicated space where your symptoms, history, and concerns are taken seriously and explored thoroughly.
During your 60-minute telehealth appointment, Dr. May will ask questions about how you’ve been feeling, how long you’ve been experiencing your symptoms, and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life. From there, she works toward a clear diagnosis and builds a treatment plan tailored specifically to you — which may include medication, supportive therapy, lab work, or a combination of all three.
It is not a test you can pass or fail. It is simply a conversation — an important first step toward feeling better.
Benefits of psychiatric evaluation
Getting a psychiatric evaluation is the first step toward real answers and lasting relief. Here’s what you gain from the process.
Accurate Diagnosis
Stop guessing what’s wrong. Get a clear, clinically informed answer about your mental health.
Personalized Treatment
No generic plans here. Your care is built around your unique symptoms, history, and goals.
Early Intervention
Catching challenges early leads to better outcomes. Don’t wait until things get harder to manage.
Peace of Mind
Finally understanding what you’re dealing with brings clarity, confidence, and a path forward.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a psychiatric evaluation take?
Your initial evaluation is a dedicated 60-minute telehealth appointment with Dr. May — enough time to truly understand your concerns without feeling rushed.
Q2: Do I need a referral to book an evaluation?
No referral is needed. You can book your appointment directly through ZocDoc, Grow Therapy, or Headway at your convenience.
Q3: What should I bring to my evaluation?
Come prepared with a list of your current symptoms, any previous diagnoses, medications you’re taking, and your family mental health history if known.
Q4: Will I receive a diagnosis at my first appointment?
In most cases, yes. Dr. May will work toward a clear diagnosis during your evaluation and discuss your treatment options before the appointment ends.
Q5: Is the evaluation conducted in person or via telehealth?
All appointments are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform — available to patients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.