What to expect when you go for a mental health assessment

Wherever you go for help, you will get a detailed assessment. The purpose of an assessment is to build up an accurate picture of your needs. Different professionals and agencies provide a range of services, which means your initial assessment may involve one or more professionals.

During an assessment, the following points will be considered (where relevant):

• your mental health symptoms and experiences
• your feelings, thoughts and actions
• your physical health and wellbeing
• your housing and financial circumstances
• your employment and training needs
• your social and family relationships
• your culture and ethnic background
• your gender and sexuality
• your use of drugs or alcohol
• past experiences, especially of similar problems
• issues relevant to your or others' safety
• whether there is anyone who depends on you, such as a child or elderly relative
• your strengths and skills and what helps you best
• your hopes and aspirations for the future

Note that you only have to talk about what you want to talk about. It helps to be frank and open, but if you are not ready to discuss some issues, you don't have to. You can always bring a friend or family member to an appointment to support you.

The outcome of the assessment should be discussed with you. You should have the opportunity to ask any questions about your condition, the diagnosis, possible causes, any treatments on offer, and how those may impact on your life. You should also be involved in the decision making about what treatments are best for you, and you should also be given information you can take home, as well as tips for additional research.   

You may need intensive treatment if you:

• are diagnosed as having a severe mental health problem
• are at risk of self-neglect, suicide, self-harm or harm to others
• do not cooperate with your treatment plan
• are vulnerable because of physical or emotional abuse, financial difficulties or cognitive impairment, or have learning disabilities
• misuse drugs or alcohol
• rely significantly on the support of a carer, or have caring responsibilities
• have particular difficulties because of parenting responsibilities, physical health problems or other stress

Adapted from NHS,