Different Kinds of Psychiatric Evaluations for Different Situations

I need a psychiatric evaluation - what kind of mental health professional should I see?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and a psychologist have different educational backgrounds and scopes of practice, which leads to differences in their evaluations and treatment approaches.

For school accommodations or court-ordered evaluations, seek a full neuropsychological evaluation from a psychologist

  1. Psychologists are specifically trained and licensed to conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations and testing to assess learning disabilities, cognitive functioning, and educational needs. This is a key requirement for obtaining accommodations and an IEP.
  2. Schools and educational institutions typically require evaluations performed by licensed psychologists for determining eligibility for special education services and accommodations. Psychologists' evaluations are recognized and accepted by schools for this purpose.
  3. The evaluation process for school accommodations involves psychological testing, clinical interviews, review of educational records, and assessment of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and other areas relevant to learning. Psychologists are experts in conducting these types of evaluations.
  4. Psychologists' evaluations focus on identifying underlying psychological factors, diagnosing learning disabilities and other conditions that impact education, and providing recommendations for appropriate accommodations and interventions.234
  5. Psychologists are specifically trained and licensed to conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations and testing to assess mental health conditions and cognitive functioning.14
  6. Courts typically order psychological evaluations performed by licensed psychologists, as they are considered experts in psychological assessment and diagnosis.45
  7. Psychologists' evaluations involve clinical interviews, psychological testing, review of records, and observation to provide a detailed report on an individual's mental state and capacity.45
  8. Their evaluations are focused on determining psychological factors, diagnosing mental disorders based on the DSM criteria, and assessing risk factors relevant to legal proceedings.45

While PMHNPs can conduct psychiatric evaluations and diagnose mental health conditions, their evaluations are more focused on medication management and treatment rather than the comprehensive psychological testing required for obtaining school accommodations and an IEP.145 Schools generally prefer evaluations performed by psychologists for this specific purpose.

Therefore, to obtain a psychiatric evaluation for court-ordered evaluations or special accommodations such as an IEP at school, it is recommended to seek an evaluation from a licensed psychologist who specializes in educational and learning disability assessments.

Therefore, to obtain a psychiatric evaluation for court-ordered evaluations or special accommodations such as an IEP at school, it is recommended to seek an evaluation from a licensed psychologist who specializes in educational and learning disability assessments.

For a mental health diagnosis to better understand your mental health needs including assessing for potential medication management, seek an evaluation from a PMHNP

  1. Evaluation by a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  2. PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses with a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, specializing in psychiatric mental health.12
  3. They can conduct comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations, including physical exams, ordering lab tests, and assessing for medication needs.3
  4. Their evaluations focus on diagnosing mental health conditions based on the DSM criteria and determining appropriate medical treatments, such as prescribing psychiatric medications.125
  5. PMHNPs can provide psychotherapy, but their primary role is to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through a combined approach of medication management and therapy