The psychiatric diagnostic evaluation is the first and most critical step in understanding a client’s mental health needs. This comprehensive intake assessment is conducted by a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or other qualified mental health professional and serves as the clinical foundation for all future treatment.

During this initial 60-minute session, the clinician collects detailed information about the client’s current psychological symptoms, emotional functioning, behavioral patterns, personal history, and social environment. This includes a review of mental health history, past or present psychiatric diagnoses, previous treatment experiences, family dynamics, medical conditions, and relevant trauma or stressors.

The evaluation process is interactive and client-centered, allowing the clinician to observe mood, affect, communication style, and other behavioral indicators in real time. The clinician may also administer validated screening tools or behavioral health assessments to gather additional data, especially when risk factors such as suicidal ideation, severe anxiety, or trauma responses are present.