What is a mental health assessment?
At Vista Del Mar Hospital, our goal during the mental health assessment process is for you to feel comfortable and informed. During our assessment, a licensed Patient Service professional will ask you about the concerns you are currently having as well as questions about your past medical and psychiatric history. If applicable, any drug and/or alcohol abuse will be addressed as well. A mental health assessment allows us to efficiently and effectively evaluate how you are feeling emotionally and physically so that we may identify a program and services which best meet your needs. Feel free to bring a family member or friend, as this may be helpful for support and to assist in the assessment process.
This mental health assessment is not a psychiatric evaluation. Rather, it is to determine whether you need to be hospitalized or receive some other type of service. Once the assessment is complete, our Patient Service staff member will discuss the results with you and then make a determination about what services you require.
How do I schedule a mental health assessment?
Simply call 805-653-6434, a Patient Service professional will take your call, ask a series of questions and listen to determine if a face-to-face assessment is the appropriate next step. Our goal is to meet with you as soon as possible and same-day mental health assessments can and are available in most situations.
When do I schedule a mental health assessment?
If you are having difficulty at school, work or home due to mental health or substance abuse issues such as
- Anxiety/Panic
- Depression
- Drug/Alcohol abuse
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Suicidal/homicidal thoughts
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsivity
Or any other mood behavior now is the right time to give us a call at 800.776.0040. We also offer different types of referral programs. The help you or your loved one needs could be one phone call away.
How long do mental health assessments take?
The time frame for our mental health assessment varies, depending on your unique situation. In most situations, you should expect an assessment to take 30-45 minutes. If it is determined that hospitalization is the best course of treatment, 1½ hours for the admission process should be expected.
Contact Us
Vista Del Mar Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is here when you need us. If you have further questions regarding any of our services, don't hesitate to contact us at 805-653-6434.