Free Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Assessment, Evaluation and Testing

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

14 minutes read
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Mental health conditions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders, can have a significant impact on your daily life. A Mission For Michael can provide residential treatment for those struggling with anxiety disorders and some OCD symptoms. Our treatment facilities can be found in California, Washington, and Virginia.

In addition to mental health and dual diagnosis treatment, the clinical team at AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers can also provide comprehensive psychological evaluations to help you understand what your treatment needs are. While we do not provide treatment for those whose primary mental health condition is OCD, our assessments can help you better understand your clinical needs. We are going to take some time to discuss mental health evaluation tools used to understand your OCD symptoms, and review the mental health screening process.

What is OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a continuous and often life-long mental health condition that can cause obsessions, compulsions, or a combination of both. OCD commonly causes a significant amount of anxiety and distress. Its symptoms are often time-consuming, which can have a significant impact on your daily life. 

OCD symptoms fall into two distinct categories; compulsions and obsessions. Obsessions are recurrent and involuntary thoughts that you experience. These are often unwanted and lead to anxiety symptoms. Compulsions feel like an uncontrollable urge to do something, typically resulting from an obsession. Engaging in compulsions often provides temporary relief from the anxiety that their obsessions create.

Those who are living with OCD are unable to control their symptoms, even if they recognize that they are excessive or unhealthy. Obsessions and compulsions can take at least one hour of your time each day.

Therapists can conduct behavioral health assessments, including mental health screening tools, that investigate your experience with OCD symptoms. Additional diagnostic assessments are used when therapists are trying to determine an appropriate mental health diagnosis, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The results from these assessments are compared to criteria outlined in the DSM-5.

Therapists generally need training and experience to use, and interpret, certain screeners and other mental health evaluation tools. To be given a mental health diagnosis, your symptoms need to align with those outlines for the specific conditions. Having an understanding of what mental health condition you’re struggling with, you can begin to explore your OCD treatment options.

Therapists and other qualified professionals can use a comprehensive mental health evaluation to understand your specific symptoms, their intensity, and the impact they have on your overall level of functioning. Therapists can compare your results from various mental health assessment questionnaires and screeners, to a key that can help them interpret your results.

Therapists are mindful of mental health diagnostic criteria when they are exploring the possibility of a mental health diagnosis. They may explore symptoms for similar psychiatric disorders, and rule out other possible disorders. Another use for psychological testing to evaluate your progress as you engage in treatment. Your therapist may repeat the use of mental health assessment tools from your initial evaluation to gauge your progress.

Clinical assessments provide therapists with structured tools that they can use to evaluate your OCD symptoms, and overall emotional wellbeing. The mental health assessment process can help guide treatment decisions, ensuring that you receive comprehensive mental health support tailored to your unique symptoms.

An OCD evaluation can include one, or more, of the following mental health evaluation tools:

  • Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS):  This is a widely used tool for assessing the severity and types of OCD symptoms. It focuses on learning about both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors over time.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI): This tool is a self-report questionnaire that identifies the presence of, and severity of OCD symptoms. This includes behaviors like checking, hoarding, and ordering.
  • Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS): Assesses OCD symptoms based on common traits. This includes contamination, responsibility, symmetry, and unacceptable thoughts.
  • Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID-5): A comprehensive interview used to diagnose OCD and other co-occurring mental health disorders. This tool aligns with DSM criteria.
  • Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (VOCI): This tool focuses on specific OCD symptom categories, including checking, contamination, and symmetry. It can be used to determine the intensity and areas of life affected by OCD symptoms.
  • Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A): Measures the severity of anxiety symptoms that often co-occur with OCD. This tool can help distinguish anxiety from OCD-related anxiety.
  • Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): While focused on depression, the PHQ-9 is often used in OCD assessments to gauge co-existing depressive symptoms, which are common in individuals with OCD.
  • Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI): A brief, structured diagnostic interview that screens for various mental health disorders, including OCD. It can also be used to assess for symptom duration and impact.

What is a Free Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Assessment and Evaluation?

A free OCD test can be an invaluable resource for those who are unsure of where to turn for help. Treatment programs come in a range of intensities, and it can be difficult to tease out which treatment option aligns with your symptoms. Mental health OCD assessments can help you understand your symptoms, and what level of care you need.

A complementary assessment of disorders can include assessment questionnaires and short interviews, free of cost. It is important to note that not all free assessments are created equal. We encourage you to look for professional OCD evaluations, and not generic screeners online. Proper OCD tests can help you gain insight into your symptoms, and help therapists know what to include in your personalized treatment plan.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is most known for intrusive thoughts, or obsessions, and compulsive behaviors. These symptoms can be distressing, and time-consuming. OCD is an individualized mental health condition, which means that there are individual differences in the symptoms that you experience and their severity.

Obsessions commonly lead to anxiety symptoms such as fear and worry. These symptoms can be intense, even for those who recognize the faults in the thought process. Examples of the common intrusive thoughts related to OCD include:

  • Fear of germs or contamination
  • Fear of losing or misplacing objects
  • Fear of losing control over your behavior
  • Experiencing aggressive thoughts towards yourself or others
  • Strong desire that things need to be in a particular order
  • Experiencing unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts about sex, harm, or religion

Compulsive behaviors can appear like rituals for some. These compulsions are often in response to intrusive thoughts, and can feel like intense urges. Examples of common compulsive behaviors include:

  • Excessive handwashing
  • Counting, arranging objects in a particular way
  • Checking that you had done something, such as turning off stoves and locking doors
  • Repetitively praying

How to Schedule a Free and Confidential OCD Assessment Near Me?

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) is a leading residential treatment provider in California, Washington, and Virginia. In addition to mental health treatment, our mental health treatment centers provide comprehensive standardized mental health assessments to better understand your mental health needs. Dial (866) 478-4383 today to learn more.

What Makes OCD Test Near Me Private and Confidential?

Psychological evaluations, including mental health assessment forms, are confidential. This means that the information you share is protected under the details of HIPAA within the United States. This legislation ensures that your personal health information is kept private, and shared only with authorized individuals.

There are limited exceptions to this, but this protection is a key component of creating a safe, and trusting relationship with your therapist. For most, when you feel as though your information is being protected, you can participate fully in your mental health assessment interview. We encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers for additional information regarding confidentiality.

What Questions Are Asked During the OCD Assessment Process?

Now that we know that an OCD evaluation can provide valuable insight into your symptoms, let’s get into some of the questions that you may be asked. The format of the questions that you’re asked can vary. They may be simple “yes” or “no” questions, be open-ended questions, or ask you to rate symptoms on a scale of one to five.

The questions that you’re asked can focus on your symptoms, mental health history, trauma history, and your family history of mental health concerns. Here are some examples of questions that may be included in an assessment for mental disorders, focused on exploring obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms:

  • “Can you tell me about any specific rituals or compulsions you experience?” – This is used to help understand the daily impact and specific compulsions.
  • “How often do you experience intrusive thoughts?” – These gauges the frequency and severity of obsessive thoughts.
  • “Can you tell me about how your symptoms interfere with work, school you’re your personal relationships?” – This explores the impact your symptoms have on you on daily life
  • “How do you feel when you’re unable to perform a certain behavior or ritual?” – This allows us to understand the intensity of your symptoms, and how they affect your emotions. 
  • “Can you think of when you began to notice your obsessions or compulsions?”- Your therapist can learn about when your symptoms began to get an idea of their duration
  • “Have you found anything that helps you manage your OCD symptoms”- This explores your use of healthy coping mechanisms.
  • “Do you know of any family members who struggle with OCD or anxiety disorders?”- Genetics is a risk factor associated with OCD and anxiety disorders.

Who Performs Psychological Testing and Assessments for OCD?

Psychological evaluations can be conducted by psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed therapists, or counselors. These professionals are generally trained and experienced in administering and rating the mental health evaluation tools that they use. They also have clinical experience of the mental health diagnostic criteria for OCD.

OCD evaluations can be done in both inpatient and outpatient treatment clinics. This allows you to receive a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, regardless of the severity of your symptoms. Many of the mental health professionals that work with those struggling with OCD have specialized training allowing them to do so.

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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    Can I Schedule an OCD Assessment for My Dependent on My Loved One?

    Yes, you can schedule an OCD assessment for a dependent or loved one. This is a fairly common practice, and can be quite helpful for those who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health distress that prevents them from doing so themselves. With an initial assessment scheduled, your loved one is a step closer to getting the care they need.

    It is important to note that while you can schedule an assessment for someone, it is up to them to participate in treatment. You can look for nearby assessment options with a simple online search for “obsessive compulsive disorder test near me,” or reach out to AMFM.  Our assessments are done compassionately, and non-judgmentally. Our goal is to help your loved one understand their current symptoms, and provide them with an accurate treatment recommendation. Contact us today by calling (866)478-4383 today to learn more.

    How Much Does an OCD Assessment Near Me Cost?

    OCD assessments are a helpful tool that can help mental health therapists learn more about your symptoms, so they can provide treatment recommendations or effective treatment. OCD tests are often based on individualized symptoms and experiences, which can affect their price.  An assessment that takes place during an individual session, it can cost between $100 to $200. 

    Specialized assessments can cost up to $1,500, depending on your needs. The costs associated with these assessments can be a barrier for many, keeping you from accessing the support you need. To promote health and wellness in our communities, AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers offer confidential and free assessments for those experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including OCD. Contact us today to being yours.

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    What Are Differences Between Mental Health Screening, Testing and Assessment for OCD

    You may have picked up on several terms referring to measures that can be used in a mental health assessment.  Screening, testing, and assessments, are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have unique differences.  Screenings are a rapid tool that provides quick insight into your symptoms. You may be asked to screeners yourself before an assessment. 

    Tests are a structured resource that generally have a key that professionals use to interpret your results. Tests can be used to measure the intensity of your symptoms, and the effects that they have on your overall level of functioning.  Assessments are a comprehensive tool that tends to explore various areas of your life. This can include your mental health history, current symptoms, physical health concerns, career or education, and your relationships. Depending on your needs, you may have a clinical assessment that uses both screeners and tests in it.

    What Happens When I am Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

    After you complete your OCD evaluation, your mental health provider will interpret and review your results. If they feel as though your symptoms align with a mental health diagnosis, they will walk you through your symptoms that align with the diagnostic criteria. They will then discuss appropriate treatment recommendations, based on the severity of your symptoms.

    You would then begin the admission process for an A Mission For Michael Treatment Center. This generally includes verifying your insurance coverage, a thorough evaluation of your needs, and initiating your treatment plan. We can help you determine the best way to pay for treatment. Once the necessary steps are complete, you can travel to our facility and receive the support you need to improve your overall health and wellness. For additional support and information, dial (866)478-4383 to speak with an admission counselor today.

    If you have been struggling with your mental health, you may find yourself trying to determine what is a typical amount of distress, and what’s not. This can be challenging, especially for those who have been struggling with isolation. If you find yourself wondering if treatment would be helpful, we encourage you to contact AMFM today for your free assessment.

    Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate that a free mental health evaluation could be helpful:

    • Experiencing persistent anxiety or panic attacks
    • Experiencing aggressive or threatening behaviors that are out of character
    • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts that are distressing
    • Engaging in self-harming behaviors
    • New or worsening symptoms of depression
    • New or worsening drug or alcohol abuse
    • Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
    • Experiencing mental health distress with a previous history of diagnoses like Bipolar disorder, PTSD, or Schizophrenia

    Mental health evaluations tend to being by exploring the presence of multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders. Your therapist may choose to ask additional questions regarding your substance use if they feel it is appropriate. We encourage you to be honest with your therapist so they can provide you with an accurate assessment and treatment recommendation.

    Examples of questions that may be asked to learn more about your substance use includes:

    • “Do you use substances to cope with stress or anxiety?” – This may be used to assess if your substance uses acts as a coping mechanism
    • “Can you tell me about your typical use, including how much and how often you use?”- This assesses the frequency of your substance use.
    • “Do you feel that you’re able to control, limit, or stop your use?”- A loss of control over use is a key indicator of a substance use disorder
    • “Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms or developed a tolerance?” – This helps assess the development of physical dependency
    • “Have you noticed any compulsive behaviors related to your substance use?” – This can help identify overlap in addictive and OCD behaviors
    • The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reported that the prevalence of OCD is 1.2% of the adult population, or 2.5 million individuals. 
    • More often than not, OCD affects individuals between the age of 18 and 29 years old. However, nearly a quarter of males begin showing signs of OCD around age 10 whereas girls may begin to experience symptoms in adolescence.
    • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) indicated that about half of those living with OCD experience severe impairment due to their symptoms.
    •  Obsessive compulsive disorder affects one in 40 adults, at some point in their life.
    • OCD is more common among women than men, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). 

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.