Psychotherapy Evaluation

This evaluation is also called an intake evaluation. During this evaluation, the provider talks with you and your child about:

• The current issue and related symptoms
• Your child’s medical history, including any past or current medications, health status, illnesses, and prior mental health evaluations and treatments
• Family medical history, including any history of mental illness
• Your child’s development
• Your child’s social interactions, including relationships with family, peers, and school professionals

The provider has an interview with your child and may meet individually with you or other caregivers. The provider may also speak with your child’s teachers or other healthcare providers. Based on this evaluation, the provider determines the goals of psychotherapy and develops a treatment plan. In some cases, the provider may recommend additional evaluations, including a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

Access

Get a referral from your child’s pediatrician. You can also get a recommendation from your child’s school, childcare provider, or other parents or friends. In some cases, an evaluation may be done through the school system or Early Intervention.

Provider

• Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
• Child and adolescent psychiatrist
• Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
• Psychologist
• Social worker

Location

Evaluations are done in a provider’s office at a hospital, community mental health center, or private practice.

Learn more about mental health evaluations