AACS Counseling today highlighted its Mental Health Assessment services. These are one-on-one clinical evaluations designed to identify whether a mental health condition is present, or to confirm that none is. Evaluations are delivered via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth and are available for individuals who are court-ordered to complete one as well as those seeking a thorough, accurate understanding of their own mental health.
A mental health assessment is conducted by a qualified professional and helps explain why a person thinks, acts, feels, and remembers the way they do. It can also determine whether more than one condition is present, such as depression alongside a substance use disorder. It can help determine whether symptoms may stem from a physical issue, such as a traumatic brain injury or a thyroid problem.

Changing the conversation around stigma

AACS Counseling emphasizes that being asked to complete an assessment does not mean something is wrong. An evaluation can identify a diagnosis, and it can just as easily conclude that there is none. Most people who request or are referred for one simply want the most accurate and comprehensive picture available.
What the assessment can identify

Assessments can help evaluate a range of conditions, including:

Mood disorders, such as depression
Anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
Eating disorders, such as bulimia
Substance use disorders

Evidence-based tools

AACS Counseling’s evaluators use certified, evidence-based instruments to support an accurate diagnosis, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Brief Mood Survey, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire.
When an assessment may be warranted
Signs that someone may benefit from an evaluation include sudden changes in daily routine, long-term mood changes, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, increased anxiety or fear, feelings of disconnection from themselves or their surroundings, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty remembering or completing simple mental tasks.

What to expect

Evaluations typically take one to one and a half hours. AACS Counseling encourages clients to:
Complete intake forms truthfully and completely before the appointment, so a copy of the evaluation can be provided soon afterward
Gather prescription medications, prior diagnoses, and legal history
Note how often and how long symptoms occur, anything that worsens them, and changes in sleep, diet, or weight
Ask the evaluator to explain any recommendations clearly, and ask whether the evaluation has an expiration date, since an expired evaluation may need to be redone to satisfy a court or agency requirement
Who can conduct mental health evaluations
Mental health evaluations may be performed by several types of qualified professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, while the other professionals can diagnose and treat conditions and coordinate with prescribers when needed.
To book a Mental Health Assessment, call AACS Counseling at 800-683-7745.

About AACS Counseling

AACS Counseling provides board-ready clinical evaluations, SAP programs, and court-related assessments for professionals in all 50 states via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Services include DOT SAP evaluations, DUI and substance abuse evaluations, anger management, mental health assessments, and treatment and education classes, with Spanish-language services available.

Media Contact
AACS Counseling
Phone: 800-683-7745
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aacscounseling.com/mental-health-assessment/
Office hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm