When you’re struggling with focus, anxiety, mood changes, or feeling overwhelmed, it’s natural to want relief quickly. Many people wonder whether they need therapy, medication, or both. The truth is, the right starting point is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
A thoughtful evaluation helps determine what’s actually driving your symptoms and what type of treatment is most likely to help—whether that includes therapy, medication, or another approach.
What a Psychiatric Evaluation Looks At
A high-quality evaluation goes beyond a short checklist. It considers:
- When symptoms began and how they’ve changed over time
- School, work, and daily functioning
- Stress, sleep, and life circumstances
- Mood, anxiety, and attention patterns
- Past treatments and what has or hasn’t helped
Because many mental health symptoms overlap, this context is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective care.
Why Symptoms Can Be Misleading
Difficulty concentrating, low motivation, irritability, and mental fatigue can occur with ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout. Without a careful evaluation, it’s easy to treat only part of the problem—or the wrong one.
An evaluation helps clarify whether symptoms are situational, long-standing, or part of a diagnosable condition, so treatment is targeted rather than trial-and-error.
How Treatment Decisions Are Made
An evaluation does not mean medication is automatically started—or ruled out. Instead, it allows your provider to recommend care based on your specific needs.
For some people, therapy or skills-based support is enough. For others, medication may be an important part of treatment. Many benefit from a combination. The goal is to match the treatment to the diagnosis, not to follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
What You Should Leave With
After a thorough evaluation, you should have:
- A clear understanding of what’s contributing to your symptoms
- Guidance on treatment options and next steps
- A plan that feels appropriate and collaborative
Even when medication is recommended, it should be done thoughtfully and with full discussion.
How We Can Help
Solstice Healthcare provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and treatment planning via telehealth for individuals ages 10+ across Connecticut. Our providers focus on clarity, accuracy, and creating a plan that fits your goals—whether that includes therapy, medication, or both.
Take the Next Step
If you’re unsure what type of care you need, a psychiatric evaluation is the best place to start. Fill out our secure form to request an appointment with Solstice Healthcare.
