Psychiatric Evaluation
When the Diagnosis Doesn't Explain the Whole Pattern
A closer review of symptoms, treatment history, and medical context
The initial evaluation reviews symptoms, medications, sleep, and medical history. In-person care is available in Gilbert, Arizona, and Rancho Palos Verdes, California; telehealth is available in Arizona and California. The team confirms visit format and length before scheduling.
Who this fits
Symptoms changed, diagnoses conflict, or treatment is not helping as expected.
Visit type
Psychiatric evaluation that reviews symptoms, prior treatment, sleep, and relevant medical history.
Access
Telehealth in California and Arizona; in-person format confirmed before scheduling.
Symptoms and treatment reviewed
Sleep, medication, and medical history
Considered when indicated
States served by telehealth
Recognition
Is This You?
These are some reasons people request a psychiatric evaluation.
The Treatment-Resistant
You've tried 3+ medications over years. Nothing works—or everything helps briefly then stops. You're starting to wonder if you're just 'broken.'
We review prior medication trials, side effects, sleep, and medical history before recommending the next step.
The Functioning Struggler
You perform at work and meet obligations, but it takes everything you have. You know you're capable of more, but something's holding you back.
We ask about daily function and review existing results when they are relevant.
The New Symptom
Something changed. Anxiety hit in your 40s. Focus crashed postpartum. Depression appeared after medical treatment. This isn't who you've always been.
We ask when the change began and what else was happening at the time.
The Skeptical Seeker
You've read about the gut-brain connection, inflammation, and hormones. You want a clinician to review your medical history and prior tests before recommending a plan.
We explain what the history supports and what remains uncertain.
Bring your medication history and the questions that still feel unresolved.
The Question We Start With
What has changed, and what has already been tried?
We review your symptoms with your medical history, medication record, and sleep pattern. Prior test results may help; new tests depend on what the evaluation shows.
The evaluation gives the next treatment decision a clearer basis.
We review the full history before choosing tests or treatment.
Our evaluation approach
Evaluation Scope
What We Investigate
The evaluation covers your history, current symptoms, and prior care. Visit length is confirmed before scheduling. We choose any new tests from the questions raised by that review.
Thyroid & Hormones
- Review prior thyroid results when relevant
- Ask about symptom timing and reproductive history
- Consider testing or referral when clinically indicated
- Discuss perimenopause or menopause history when relevant
Nutritional Status
- Review existing B12 and folate results when relevant
- Consider iron studies, including ferritin, if indicated
- Review prior vitamin D results when relevant
- Choose new tests based on the clinical question
Sleep Architecture
- Ask about sleep duration, timing, and quality
- Review possible sleep-apnea history when indicated
- Ask about symptoms that interrupt sleep
- Consider whether sleep needs separate evaluation
Systemic Health
- Review medical history and relevant vital signs
- Review prior results when they answer a clinical question
- Check current medicines for relevant interactions
- Coordinate with other clinicians when indicated
The Difference
Questions That Shape the Evaluation
| Clinical question | What we review | |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | What needs a closer look? | History and current symptoms reviewed |
| Treatment history | What has already been tried? | Review response, side effects, and remaining symptoms |
| Testing | Which question would a test answer? | Review prior results; order targeted tests when indicated |
| Care plan | What do the findings support? | Discuss treatment options and referrals when appropriate |
| Follow-up | What needs monitoring? | Set visit timing around treatment and response |
| Next decision | Is the plan helping? | Reassess symptoms, function, and adverse effects |
Your Path Forward
From Evaluation to Follow-up
Visit timing and care decisions follow the findings.
Initial Evaluation
First visit • Length confirmed when scheduled
We review your history, current concerns, and prior treatment. Testing and treatment recommendations depend on the findings.
- History reviewed
- Prior records considered
- Questions identified
- Next step discussed
Treatment Review
As needed • Timing set with your clinician
If treatment starts or changes, follow-up reviews response, side effects, and any remaining questions.
- Response reviewed
- Side effects discussed
- Plan adjusted if needed
- Care coordinated when indicated
Ongoing Care
Based on progress • Visit timing varies
Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment, response, and safety needs.
- Progress reviewed
- Medication monitored if used
- Questions revisited
- Next visit planned
Built from your history
reviewed as treatment progresses
What Happens After the Evaluation
We explain the working diagnosis, which questions remain open, and the options we recommend. If treatment starts, follow-up is where we check response, side effects, and function.
Medication may be part of the plan. We may also review existing records, request targeted testing, or coordinate with other clinicians when the history points in that direction.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
Your initial evaluation covers symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, medications, sleep, and what previous treatment has done.
The APA adult psychiatric evaluation guidance describes the history and clinical questions that inform an evaluation. Visit length is confirmed by our team.
We review prior results first. New testing is considered when it would help answer a question raised by your history or symptoms.
We explain the next steps, including any testing, treatment, or follow-up we recommend.
Initial Evaluation
- Visit length Confirmed when scheduled
- Format In-person or telehealth
- Coverage Reviewed before scheduling
- New Patients Appointment availability varies
- Location Gilbert, AZ or Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Useful Before Your Evaluation
What to Bring
- Recent lab work (if available)
- Current medication list with dosages
- Medical history summary
- Previous psychiatric treatment records
- List of supplements you take
Not Sure If This Is Right?
Free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and determine if our approach fits your needs.
Call (310) 955-1041Psychiatric Evaluation FAQs
What Patients Ask Before a Diagnostic Evaluation
What happens at an initial psychiatric evaluation?
We review symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, current medicines, sleep, and relevant prior results. We then decide whether new tests or referrals would help answer a specific question. Visit length is confirmed before scheduling.
What if I've already tried multiple medications and nothing has worked?
We review what you tried, how long you took it, whether it helped, and any side effects. The next step depends on that history and what remains unresolved.
Do you do hormone or thyroid replacement?
We review relevant history and prior results. When hormone or thyroid treatment falls outside the psychiatric plan, we coordinate with primary care or endocrinology when appropriate.
How do you decide which labs to order?
There is no fixed panel for everyone. We review prior results first, then consider tests such as thyroid studies, iron and ferritin, B12, or hormone testing when your history gives us a reason.
Is the evaluation available by telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is available in Arizona and California. Routine in-person care is available in Gilbert, Arizona, and Rancho Palos Verdes, California; format is confirmed before scheduling.
Can you work with my therapist?
Yes. Many patients see a therapist for talk therapy and a psychiatric clinician for medication and medical workup. We coordinate care when you'd like us to.
What does follow-up look like after the initial evaluation?
Visit timing depends on the treatment plan, your response, and any medication that needs monitoring. We discuss the next follow-up at the evaluation.
Do you accept insurance?
Our team reviews your specific plan and available benefits before scheduling when you intend to use insurance. A benefits check is not a guarantee of coverage, payment, or final cost.
From the clinical library
Related clinical reading
Who you may work with
Horizon Peak psychiatric care is provided by Canybec Sulayman, PMHNP-BC, MBA, and Sharon Hernandez, PMHNP-BC. Canybec practices in California and Arizona. Sharon accepts appointment requests from California adults. Provider matching depends on state, clinical fit, insurance or self-pay, and current scheduling options.
Ready for a Closer Look?
Request an evaluation. We review clinical fit, location, and insurance or self-pay details before placing a visit on the schedule. Appointment availability varies.
Request an Evaluation