New Patient 
Emotional Health Assessment

An Emotional Health Telephone Assessment is an important step for us to understand your needs. This 30 – 60 minutes session is designed to provide a thorough initial evaluation of your current emotional health status and to determine the best course of action for your care.

                                                    What to Expect

Introduction and Rapport Building
Greeting and Introduction:
The session will start with a Social Worker introducing herself and explaining her role. She will take the time to help you feel comfortable, letting you know that her primary goal is to support you in any way she can.

Confidentiality Assurance
The Social Worker will take a moment to read a confidentiality statement to reassure you that your information will be kept private. Your privacy is important, and nothing you share will be disclosed without your consent. However, in situations where there is a risk of harm, such as concerns about suicide, homicide, or abuse involving a child or adult, we are obligated to share that information to ensure safety.

 

Purpose of the Assessment
The purpose of the assessment is to gather important information about your emotional health history, current symptoms, and overall well-being. This helps the therapist understand your unique situation and how to best support you.
 

Discussion of Symptoms and Concerns
During the assessment, you will be asked in detail about any emotional health symptoms you are currently experiencing. This might include feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, or stress, as well as more specific physical experiences like difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, persistent feelings of hopelessness, or intense reactions. The therapist is not just looking to identify these symptoms but he or she wants to understand the frequency, intensity, and duration of those symptoms. This helps the therapist with obtaining a clearer picture of what you’re going through and how it affects your daily life.

The Social Worker will also ask about your emotional health history. This involves discussing any past experiences with mental health challenges, including previous diagnoses, treatments, or hospitalizations. The Social Worker will ask about specific therapies you’ve tried, their effectiveness, and how you felt during and after those experiences. Understanding any patterns in your mental health over time, such as periods of improvement or worsening, is also crucial to gaining insight into your overall well-being.

Medical History

You may be asked about any relevant medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, and any substance use. These factors can significantly influence emotional health, so it’s important for the therapist to understand how your physical health and any medications or substances may be interacting with your emotional state.

Personal Background

The assessment may include questions about your personal background, including your family’s history of emotional health issues, your social support systems, and any significant life events that have impacted you. This context helps the therapist understand the broader picture of your life, including potential genetic influences, the support you have available, and how past experiences may be affecting your current emotional health.

Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss how your symptoms are impacting your daily life. This isn’t just about acknowledging the symptoms; it’s about exploring how they affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and manage daily responsibilities. For example, if anxiety makes it difficult for you to concentrate at work, or if depression has led to social withdrawal, these are critical aspects the therapist will want to understand. The Social Worker may also inquire about the coping strategies you’ve been using, whether they’ve been helpful or have contributed to further difficulties. By understanding the full impact of your symptoms and these other factors, the therapist can better tailor their approach to meet your specific needs.

Risk Assessment

The Social Worker will carefully assess any immediate risks, such as thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others. This is a critical and standard part of any mental health assessment, designed to ensure your safety. The Social Worker may ask direct questions about any thoughts or plans you might have regarding harming yourself or others, and it’s important to be open about these feelings, even if they’re difficult to discuss. The goal is to create a safe environment where you can receive the support and help you need to stay safe and start addressing these serious concerns.

Your Needs and Goals
Identifying Needs: You will have the opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve through treatment and any specific needs or preferences you have for your care. This might include the type of therapy you’re most comfortable with, any concerns you have about the process, or particular areas you want to focus on, such as managing anxiety, improving mood, or building better coping strategies. This conversation helps ensure that your treatment is tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

Setting Goals

Together, you and the Social Worker will identify some initial goals for your emotional health care. These goals might be broad, like improving overall well-being, or more specific, such as reducing the frequency of panic attacks or enhancing your ability to manage stress. You’ll also discuss potential next steps, which could involve starting a particular type of therapy, exploring higher level of care options, or connecting with additional support services. Setting these goals helps to create a clear, collaborative plan for moving forward in your emotional wellness journey.

Next Steps and Recommendations

Treatment Options: Based on the information gathered during the assessment, the professional will provide recommendations for the next steps in your care. This might include referrals to a psychiatrist. We want you to be the best you. Sometimes, psychiatric medications will not help, and sometimes medication will help. At no time will we recommend or prescribe mediation, therefore if we find that you need a higher level of care --- we will refer you out and back to your health insurance provider. 

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Medication management, or inpatient care is not our specialty. Therefore, the Social Worker will discuss the various options available, helping you understand what each referral entails and how it can support your journey toward improved emotional health.

Follow-Up Plan: The Social Worker will outline a follow-up plan, which may include scheduling future appointments if necessary. She will also provide you with resources and contacts for immediate support, ensuring you have access to help between sessions. This plan serves to keep you connected to ongoing care and resources, reinforcing the support available to you as you work toward your emotional wellness goals. Some people require therapy sessions, and some don't. Sometimes, people just need help talking through the immediate issue and answers will emerge. 

Question & Answer (Closing)

Questions and Concerns: You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the assessment, your symptoms, or the recommended next steps. This is an important part of the process, as it allows you to clarify any uncertainties and express any concerns you may have. The Social Worker is a professional with over 20 years of this exact experience and she will provide you with information and support. The goal is to ensure that you feel informed and empowered regarding your emotional health care.

Recap and Closing: The session will conclude with a recap of what was discussed during the assessment, highlighting key points, treatment options, and the follow-up plan. This summary will help reinforce your understanding of the conversation and the steps moving forward. The professional will also emphasize their commitment to supporting you and encourage you to reach out if you have any further questions or need assistance before your next appointment.

Tips for the Assessment

Find a Quiet Space: Before your assessment, make sure you are in a private, quiet space where you can speak freely without interruptions. This will help create a comfortable environment for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Be Honest and Open: It’s important to provide as much information as you can to help the professional understand your situation. Being open and honest about your experiences, symptoms, and concerns will lead to a more effective assessment and tailored support.

Take Notes: It might be helpful to take notes during the call to remember important points or recommendations. This can assist you in reflecting on the discussion later and help you stay engaged in your care.

This assessment is a collaborative effort aimed at understanding your mental health needs and developing a plan to support your well-being. Remember, reaching out for help is a positive step towards taking care of your mental health, and it’s an opportunity to begin your journey toward improved emotional wellness.

 

You are already here... now just click the button so that your Emotional Healing can begin. Please have your health insurance information ready to give to the Social Worker.