Psychiatric Consultation and Evaluation services offered in Encino, Pasadena and Oakland, CA

Psychiatric Consultation & Evaluation (PCE)

The first step in understanding the full picture.

When people reach out for psychiatric care, they often know something is not feeling right but may not know exactly what kind of support they need. A psychiatric consultation and evaluation is designed to help answer those questions.

At Adelpha Psychiatric Group, initial visits focus on understanding your history, goals, current concerns, symptoms, previous treatment experiences, and overall clinical needs. Whether you are seeking a second opinion, looking for clarity about a diagnosis, exploring treatment options, or beginning a longer-term therapeutic relationship, the consultation process helps create a thoughtful and individualized treatment plan.

Our evaluations are available for children, adolescents, and adults through in-person visits and telehealth when clinically appropriate.

Adelpha Psychiatry team members in the office before a psychiatric evaluation in CA
Warm, inviting therapy office with a dark sofa, orange armchair, coffee table, soft lighting, and calming decor.
Psychiatric Consultation & Evaluation

What is a psychiatric evaluation (PCE)?

A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used to better understand emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and mental health concerns.

The purpose of an evaluation is not simply to assign a diagnosis. It is to develop a deeper understanding of what you are experiencing and determine what types of support or treatment may be most appropriate.

Psychiatric evaluations may address concerns such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Trauma-related concerns
  • Substance use concerns
  • Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Sleep-related concerns
  • Other psychiatric conditions
Our physicians take a whole-person approach, considering not only symptoms but also medical history, relationships, life experiences, strengths, goals, and previous treatment experiences.

When should I schedule a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation may be helpful when:

  • You are experiencing new emotional or behavioral symptoms
  • Existing symptoms are becoming more difficult to manage
  • Previous treatment has not provided enough improvement
  • You would like a second opinion
  • You are unsure which type of treatment may be appropriate
  • You have questions about diagnosis or treatment options

Some people seek evaluations because of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or challenges with daily functioning. Others are simply looking for a clearer understanding of what they are experiencing.

If you are unsure where to begin, a consultation can help clarify the next step.

What happens during a psychiatric evaluation?

The consultation process is designed to help your physician understand the full picture before making recommendations.

During your visits, your physician will discuss your symptoms, medical history, mental health history, treatment experiences, current concerns, goals, and any factors that may be affecting your well-being.

Depending on the situation and with your permission, we may also coordinate with other healthcare providers involved in your care, including therapists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, or other specialists.

For children and adolescents, parents or guardians are often involved as part of the evaluation process when appropriate.

What happens after the evaluation?

At the conclusion of the consultation process, your physician will review their impressions and discuss treatment recommendations with you.

Recommendations may include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medication management
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Couples or family therapy
  • Coordination with outside providers
  • Additional evaluation or specialized treatment

The goal is to create a clear, evidence-based treatment plan that reflects your individual needs and goals.

Do you offer specialized psychiatric consultations?

Yes.

In addition to comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, Adelpha provides:

  • Second-opinion psychiatric consultations
  • Reproductive psychiatry consultations
  • Preoperative psychiatric evaluations when required
  • Child and adolescent psychiatric evaluations
  • Adult psychiatric evaluations

Our physicians work closely with patients to help them understand available treatment options and make informed decisions about care.

Do I need to know what treatment I need before scheduling?

No.

Many patients come to Adelpha unsure whether they need medication management, psychotherapy, TMS, or another form of support.

That is completely normal.

The purpose of the consultation process is to help determine what kind of care may be most appropriate. You do not need to arrive with the right diagnosis or know exactly what treatment you need before reaching out.

Call Adelpha Psychiatric Group today to schedule a psychiatric consultation or request an appointment online.

Insurance support is part of making care accessible

Insurance and Courtesy Billing

We know cost and insurance questions can be stressful. Our team will help make the financial side of care as clear as possible and help you understand what information is needed before treatment begins.

The first step is a consultation process.

What to Expect when you Reach Out

Thoughtful care starts with a thorough evaluation.

At Adelpha, getting started does not mean rushing into treatment without context. The first few visits start with an initial consultation period. This process includes at least two visits for adults and three visits for children and adolescents within the first month. This gives your physician or marriage and family therapist time to understand your history, current concerns, goals, previous treatment, and what kind of care may be helpful.

When appropriate, your physician or marriage and family therapist may ask to coordinate with your prior or current mental health providers, your primary care physician, or family members involved in your care. At the end of the consultation phase, we will share our impressions and recommendations. We will work with you to determine whether ongoing care with Adelpha is clinically appropriate and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

01

Reach out

Use the contact form, chat, or call.

02

Tell us what you are looking for

You do not need to know the right diagnosis or service before contacting us.

03

Review fit and next steps

Our team will help clarify the intake process, insurance, and scheduling

04

Begin consultation when appropriate

Your first visits help your physician or marriage and family therapist understand the full picture before making recommendations.

If you are unsure where to begin, reaching out is a reasonable first step.

Adelpha provides thoughtful, comprehensive psychiatric care for patients and families who want clear guidance, qualified support, and care that sees the whole person.

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