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Mental Health Evaluations

Mental Health Evaluations in Lakewood & Tacoma

Diagnostic and court-ordered mental health evaluations by licensed clinicians — scheduled quickly, written clearly, and sent where they need to go.

A mental health evaluation is a conversation with a licensed clinician that produces a clear written answer — what you're dealing with, and what would actually help. Some people come on their own. Many are sent by a court, an attorney, or a probation officer. Both get the same care.

What happens in the appointment

It is a confidential, one-on-one interview, in person or by secure video, lasting roughly one to two hours. A clinician reviews your current symptoms, your history, how you're functioning day to day, any prior treatment, and — where relevant — how substance use and mental health interact for you.

It is not a test you can fail. The point is an accurate picture, which is what produces a recommendation that is reasonable rather than excessive.

When a court orders the evaluation

Courts request evaluations to understand what is appropriate in your case rather than applying a one-size-fits-all outcome. We write the report to answer the question the court actually asked, and we send it to the court, your attorney, or your probation officer without you having to chase it. Our guide to court-ordered evaluations walks through the whole sequence.

One thing worth being direct about: if the court ordered it, the report goes to the court. Everything else stays confidential, and nothing else is released without your written consent.

When substance use is part of the picture

Mental health and substance use are frequently tangled together, and we assess and treat them in the same place. If both are involved, a mental health evaluation is often paired with a substance use evaluation so the recommendation accounts for both rather than half the problem.

Timing

We can usually schedule within the same week, with the written report following within a few days. If you are working against a court date, say so when you call (253) 279-7992 — we schedule around deadlines routinely.

What we provide

  • Mental health diagnostic evaluations
  • Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more
  • Co-occurring disorder treatment (SUD + mental health)
  • Inmate / co-occurring disorder (COD) group counseling
  • Psychiatric referrals for medication management
  • Psychoeducation and coping skills development
  • Supportive services for clients in recovery or reentry

Common questions

What is a mental health evaluation?
A mental health evaluation is a structured clinical interview with a licensed clinician that assesses your current symptoms, history, and functioning, and results in a diagnosis where one applies plus a written recommendation for treatment. It usually takes about one to two hours.
What is a court-ordered mental health evaluation?
It is the same clinical process, with a report written for the court. A judge, attorney, or probation officer asks for it to understand what treatment or support is appropriate in your case, rather than applying a standard penalty. We write the report to answer what the court actually asked.
How soon can I be seen, and how fast is the report?
We can usually schedule within the same week, and written reports typically follow within a few days of the appointment. Court deadlines drive our turnaround — tell us your date when you call and we will work to it.
Can the evaluation be done by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations are available by secure video anywhere in Washington or in person at our Lakewood office. Washington courts routinely accept telehealth evaluations, though if your paperwork specifies in person, tell us and we will schedule accordingly.
What should I bring?
Photo ID, any court paperwork or referral describing what is being asked for, a list of current medications, and any prior treatment or evaluation records you have. Your attorney's or probation officer's contact information helps us send the report to the right place.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, with one limit you should know about up front: if the evaluation was ordered by a court, the resulting report goes to the court or the party that requested it. Everything else follows standard clinical confidentiality, and nothing is released outside that without your written consent.
How much does an evaluation cost, and do you take insurance?
We are in network with most major Washington health plans, including Aetna, Wellpoint, Community Health Plan of Washington, Cigna / Evernorth, Coordinated Care / Ambetter, Kaiser Permanente, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, Regence / HMA, TriWest / VA, TRICARE for Life, and Wellcare. Self-pay rates are available. Call (253) 279-7992 for current pricing and to confirm your coverage.

This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. What an evaluation must cover, and how its report is used, varies by court, county, and case — confirm the specifics with your attorney or the party requesting the evaluation.

Related services & guides

Bring us your deadline.

Tell us what's being asked for and when it's due. We'll get you scheduled and make sure the report lands where it belongs.

Call (253) 279-7992Request an appointment

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