What Is a Teen Psychiatric Evaluation — and What Does It Include?

A teen psychiatric evaluation is a structured clinical appointment — typically 60 minutes — in which a board-certified psychiatric provider assesses your teenager's mental health, reviews their history, and determines whether a diagnosis and treatment plan are warranted. It is not therapy. It is not a test your teenager can pass or fail. It is a clinical conversation designed to get the full picture.

What Happens During the Evaluation

The evaluation covers several areas in one appointment. The provider will ask about your teenager's current symptoms — what they're experiencing, how long it's been happening, and how it's affecting their daily life. They'll also review developmental and medical history, ask about sleep, appetite, school performance, social relationships, and family history of mental health conditions.

For the first part of the appointment, the provider typically speaks with the parent and teenager together. There is usually time to speak with the teenager privately as well, which helps teens feel more comfortable being candid about what they're experiencing.

The evaluation does not involve neuropsychological assessment or testing for autism or ADHD. If that level of evaluation is needed, the provider will discuss a referral.

What the Provider Is Looking For

The goal of the evaluation is to determine what is driving the symptoms and whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosable condition — such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, or a mood disorder.

The provider considers the full context, not just a checklist of symptoms. Two teenagers with the same symptoms can have very different underlying causes, and the treatment plan should reflect that.

What Happens After the Evaluation

At the end of the evaluation, the provider shares their clinical impression. If a diagnosis is made, they discuss treatment options — which may include medication, monitoring, or a referral for therapy alongside psychiatric care. If medication is recommended, the provider will explain what it is, how it works, what to expect, and how follow-up will be structured.

Follow-up appointments at Skye are 30 minutes or more, scheduled based on clinical need — more frequently at the start of treatment, then at regular intervals once things are stable.

At Skye Mental Health, all teen evaluations are conducted via telehealth by Dr. Jennifer Sam, PMHNP-BC, DNP, who specializes exclusively in adolescent and teen psychiatry for ages 12–17. New patients are typically seen within three days of scheduling. Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted, including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Optum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both parents need to be present for a teen psychiatric evaluation?
Typically one parent or legal guardian is sufficient. If parents are separated, the parent scheduling the appointment should have legal authority to consent to mental health treatment for the minor.

Will the provider share everything my teen says with me?
Providers balance confidentiality with parental involvement. In general, what your teenager shares in the private portion of the session stays confidential unless there is a safety concern. The provider will discuss this with both of you at the start of the appointment.

How is a psychiatric evaluation different from a psychological evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation focuses on diagnosis and medication management. A psychological evaluation involves formal cognitive or neuropsychological testing administered by a psychologist. If testing is needed, your psychiatric provider can refer you.

How soon can my teenager be seen at Skye Mental Health?
New patients at Skye Mental Health are typically seen within approximately three days of scheduling.

Ready to get started? Schedule your teenager's evaluation at Skye Mental Health.