Understanding Pre-Evaluation Consultations

pre-evaluation consultation

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry In today’s fast-paced world, mental health awareness is more important than ever. For many, seeking help can be a daunting step, often clouded by uncertainty about what to expect. At the Mental Health Center, we offer Pre-Evaluation Consultation Services designed to demystify the process and provide a supportive entry point into mental health care. What is a Pre-Evaluation Consultation? Though not mandatory, a Pre-Evaluation Consultation is an initial meeting that helps family members and concerned parties of prospective new patients gain a clearer understanding of the prospective patient’s mental health needs. This service is tailored for those who may be unsure about pursuing therapy or counseling. During this consultation, family members have the opportunity to discuss their concerns in a confidential, judgment-free environment. This is a service for family members of potential patients that …

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7 Tips for Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
client shaking hands with therapist after Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles

Finding a therapist in Los Angeles can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. There is an easier way, and it involves making the right connections. By contacting a treatment center and providing basic information, they can connect you with the best therapist. You can spend less time searching and more time focusing on the benefits of treatment. Finding a therapist in Los Angeles can be overwhelming due to the city’s vast size and numerous options. This uncertainty and multitude of choices can lead to frustration, especially for those already experiencing with mental health challenges. Navigating this process without guidance can feel like an insurmountable barrier to receiving care. This article provides seven tips for finding a therapist in Los Angeles. Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles Finding a therapist in Los Angeles presents a unique challenge due to the city’s sheer size and the overwhelming number of available professionals. It is …

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The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
two pairs of hands holding mental health awareness ribbon as an expression of the importance of mental health awareness

Mental health awareness is crucial as it reduces stigma, promotes early intervention, and supports individuals seeking help. By fostering understanding and acceptance, awareness encourages a supportive community, improves access to mental health services, and enhances overall well-being. Recognizing mental health’s importance leads to better outcomes for individuals and society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five young people and adults experience a mental health condition. Many people struggle with mental health issues in silence due to stigma and lack of understanding. Raising mental health awareness helps reduce this stigma, encouraging individuals to seek the help they need. Promoting awareness creates a more supportive community, leading to early intervention and better overall well-being for everyone. This article explores the importance of mental health awareness. Mental Health Awareness Month Since 1949, every May, the United States has observed Mental Health Awareness Month, a program started …

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Proactive Counseling for Blended Families

pre-evaluation consultation

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. About Blended Families. A blended family, also known as a stepfamily, develops when you and your partner make a life together with the children from one or both of your previous relationships; this can simultaneously be a challenging and rewarding experience as you and your family find a new equilibrium. According to the Step Family Foundation, nearly 1,300 new stepfamilies form each day and over 50% of families in the United States are recoupled (2023).  Blended Family Challenges. When families are blended, challenges can arise as differences in parenting, lifestyle, or discipline become apparent, at times becoming a source of frustration for children in the family system. The following are difficulties that many blended families face: Parental inexperience may pose an issue, as one stepparent may have never been a parent before. Therefore, these parents may have little to no experience supporting children through the various …

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6 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder

pre-evaluation consultation

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health disorder where an individual collects a large amount of possessions and experiences difficulty parting with possessions to the point where parting with possessions prompts profound emotional distress. Approximately 2% to 6% of people in the United States have hoarding disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously classified hoarding disorder as a subtype of OCD, “however, healthcare providers were encountering people with hoarding behaviors who didn’t have any other mental health conditions. After more research, hoarding disorder was included as an isolated condition, in the OCD spectrum, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is the most recent edition” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  Similar to many of us, people with hoarding disorder keep objects due to their sentimentality, aesthetics, and usefulness. These …

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