Psychiatric Evaluation in Dartmouth, MA
A thorough, unhurried 60-minute assessment with one of our psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners — the first step toward understanding your mental health and building a treatment plan that fits you.
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive, one-on-one assessment of your mental health. It is the first appointment for anyone starting psychiatric care at DLH Consulting. Evaluations are conducted by our psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who are licensed to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication in Massachusetts.
What Happens During Your Evaluation
Your evaluation lasts about 60 minutes. Your provider will talk with you about:
- Your current symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how they affect daily life
- Your mental health history, including past diagnoses, treatment and hospitalizations
- Your medical history and all current medications and supplements
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Sleep, substance use, stress and support systems
- Your goals for treatment
What You Leave With
- A clearer understanding of what may be going on, including a diagnosis when appropriate
- A personalized treatment plan built around your goals
- Recommendations that may include medication management, therapy and counseling, or both
- Information about GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing if it could help guide medication choices
How to Prepare
- Complete your New Patient Intake Packet — it is required before we can schedule
- Have your insurance card and a photo ID ready
- Bring a list of current medications, doses and any past medications you have tried
- Write down your main concerns and questions
- For telehealth: find a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection
Who We Evaluate
We see patients ages 5 and older — children, teens and adults. Ages served vary by clinician, so our intake coordinator will match you with a provider who treats your age group. Common reasons for an evaluation include:
In Person or by Telehealth
Evaluations are available in person at our office at 516 Hawthorn St., Suite 2 & 4, Dartmouth, MA, or by secure video for patients physically located in Massachusetts at the time of the visit. See telehealth in Massachusetts for details.
Insurance and Cost
We accept 15 major insurance plans, including MassHealth/MBHP, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare. Coverage varies by specific plan and clinician, so please verify your benefits before your first visit. Self-pay rates are listed on our rates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a psychiatric evaluation?
Your initial psychiatric evaluation at DLH Consulting lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up medication management visits are typically 20 minutes.
Who performs psychiatric evaluations at DLH Consulting?
Evaluations are performed by our psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who are licensed in Massachusetts to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
Can I have my psychiatric evaluation by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations are available by secure video for patients who are physically located in Massachusetts at the time of the visit, or in person at our Dartmouth office.
What ages do you evaluate?
We see patients ages 5 and older. Ages served vary by clinician, so our intake coordinator will match you with a provider who treats your age group.
How do I schedule a psychiatric evaluation?
Complete the New Patient Intake Packet online, by phone at (774) 929-7420, or in person. Our intake coordinator will contact you within 2 business days to discuss provider fit and availability.
Ready to Get Started?
Complete your intake packet and our coordinator will contact you within 2 business days to discuss provider fit and availability.
In crisis? Call or text 988, or call 911. We do not offer same-day or walk-in crisis care.