This might be for you if you notice
- Low mood, worry, focus or sleep problems that have lasted and are getting in the way
- Wondering whether medication is worth considering, and wanting a doctor's view
- A diagnosis from years ago that no longer seems to fit
- A therapist or primary care provider who suggested you see a psychiatrist
- Wanting a clear plan, whether or not it includes medication
What a psychiatric evaluation is
A psychiatric evaluation is the starting point of psychiatric care. NAMI describes psychiatrists as licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training and who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and provide therapy. The psychiatrist on our team is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who has practiced psychiatry for over three decades.
During the evaluation, the psychiatrist asks about what you are experiencing, how long it has been going on, your mental health and medical history, past treatment, any medicines you take and your family history. MedlinePlus explains that the steps to getting a diagnosis include a medical history, questions about your thinking, feelings and behaviors, and sometimes a physical exam or lab tests if another medical condition could be causing symptoms.
Where it fits, the evaluation leads to a diagnosis. Either way, it ends with a treatment plan. That plan may include medication, therapy, both, or something else, such as checking in with your own doctor first.
Psychiatric and psychological evaluations are different
The names sound alike, but they are different services. A psychiatric evaluation is a conversation with a physician about your symptoms, history and health, and it leads to a treatment plan that can include medication. NAMI notes that psychologists are trained to evaluate mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing.
A psychological evaluation uses structured testing and ends with a detailed written report, often for questions like autism, ADHD or learning differences. Our psychiatrist does not do that testing or write those reports. If that is what you need, our psychological evaluations page explains how they work.
Some people have both at different times. A psychological evaluation report can be useful background for the psychiatrist, so you are welcome to share one if you have it.
What to bring to your evaluation
A little preparation helps you get the most from the visit. NIMH suggests preparing a list of your questions, a list of all of your medications including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements, and what you know about your family's mental health history.
Helpful to have ready
- Every medicine and supplement you take, with doses
- Medicines you have tried before and how they went
- Names of your other providers, and any recent test results or records you have
- What you know about mental health conditions in your family
- Your main questions, written down
What happens after the evaluation
You and the psychiatrist talk through the plan before the visit ends, and you are welcome to ask why each part is suggested. If medication is part of it, follow-up visits continue through medication management, where the psychiatrist checks how you are feeling and whether anything should change.
If therapy is part of the plan, our therapists offer depression therapy, anxiety therapy and other services. With your permission, the psychiatrist and your therapist here can coordinate your care so it fits together.
Video visits are for planned care, not emergencies. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.
Getting started
- Reach outUse our booking page or call 267-573-9817 and say you would like a psychiatric evaluation. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania during each visit.
- Check your coverageCoverage for psychiatric visits depends on your plan and can differ from therapy coverage. Ask us to verify your benefits first, and see our insurance and fees page for the plans the practice works with.
- Meet the psychiatrist by videoJoin from a private, quiet spot with your list of medicines and questions. Before you finish, you and the psychiatrist agree on a next step.
Therapists for psychiatric evaluation
Tell us what you are looking for in your free consultation and we will match you with a therapist whose background fits. Meet our team
Questions people ask
Does insurance cover a psychiatric evaluation?
It depends on your plan. Coverage for psychiatric visits can be different from coverage for therapy, even with the same insurer. Ask us to verify your benefits before your first visit so you know what to expect. Our insurance and fees page lists the plans the practice works with Ask us about any other payment questions.
How does an online psychiatric evaluation work?
You meet the psychiatrist by secure video from a phone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. Choose a private spot where people nearby cannot overhear you. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania during the visit. The psychiatrist asks about your symptoms, history and health, then talks with you about a plan.
Will I get a prescription after the evaluation?
Not necessarily. The evaluation is about understanding what is going on. Sometimes medication is part of the plan, and sometimes the psychiatrist suggests therapy, more information, a visit to your own doctor or another approach first. Any decision about medication is made with you, and you can always ask why.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to contact us or to ask about a psychiatric evaluation. Some insurance plans have their own rules about referrals for specialist visits, so it is worth asking your plan directly. If your therapist or doctor suggested psychiatry, you are welcome to tell us that when you reach out.
What is the difference between a psychiatric and a psychological evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a physician's assessment of your symptoms, history and health that leads to a treatment plan, which may include medication. A psychological evaluation uses structured testing and ends with a detailed written report. They are separate services at our practice, and the psychiatrist does not do the testing.
Can I bring a family member to the evaluation?
Yes, if you would like to. NIMH notes that a trusted friend or relative can offer support, help take notes and remember what was discussed. With video, they can sit beside you. You decide how involved they are, and you can tell the psychiatrist if you would like some time to talk alone.
Sources
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.