Free Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

14 minutes read
group therapy appointment, patients talking to eachother.

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. 

At A Mission For Michael, you’ll receive whole-person care in a safe and welcoming environment. We provide holistic mental health treatment in California, Washington, and Virginia.  Your treatment experience will begin with an assessment of disorders, focusing on your specific symptoms. This mental health screening tool allows us to determine which treatment program aligns with your needs.

We provide treatment for an assortment of mental health conditions including mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and dual-diagnosis conditions. We will now explore a PTSD evaluation and learn how this assessment enables the clinical team at AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers to develop a tailored treatment plan just for you

What is PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after you experience or witness a traumatic event. Historically, this was referred to as “combat fatigue” and “shell shock” during times of war. Several events can be traumatic, especially situations that are life-threatening, or emotionally and physically harmful to you.

There are individualized differences found among those living with PTSD, including the symptoms that they experience and the impact they have on their overall functioning. You may find that there are changes in your mood, thoughts, behaviors, and reactivity. Some of the risk factors that can increase your risk of developing PTSD include exposure to trauma during childhood, having a history of mental health concerns and addiction, little social support, and the type of trauma you experienced.

Generally, there are three main ways that we can respond when a trauma occurs. Resistance is one response and does not include too much of a change after experiencing a trauma. Some can overcome the effects of trauma without the use of professional support, known as resilience. The final option refers to those who find themselves developing post-traumatic stress disorder, and experiencing impairment in their level of functioning. It is important to highlight that two people can experience the same trauma and experience different reactions. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health after experiencing a trauma, we invite you to dial (866)478-4383 to discuss your symptoms with an AMFM admission counselor. We can review available mental health treatment options for your symptoms and struggles.

Those who develop PTSD often begin to experience symptoms within three months of their traumatic experience. These symptoms last for a minimum of one month and create challenges in your day-to-day life. Symptoms associated with PTSD can include re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance symptoms, arousal or reactivity symptoms, and cognition or mood symptoms.

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder include:

  • Intrusive memories of the event including flashbacks and nightmares
  • Avoiding reminders of your trauma, including people, places, and things
  • Mood changes, such as feeling detached from others, inability to experience positive emotions, worsening of previously existing mood symptoms
  • Increased arousal such as hypervigilance, irritability, and insomnia
  • Increased sense of blame or shame tied to the traumatic event
  • Experiencing challenges in school or at work
  • Struggling with emotion regulation, which can lead to emotional suppression

Yes, therapists can conduct a PTSD assessment that assesses your current symptoms and level of distress. The results from psychological evaluations generally provide therapists with the information they need to determine an appropriate diagnosis, such as PTSD. Behavioral health assessments can include assessment questionnaires, discussion of symptoms, and use of psychological testing.

To conduct PTSD screenings, therapists need to have specific training experiences that focus on mental health diagnostic criteria and understand how to use a diagnostic assessment properly. This may be incorporated into an educational program, like a master’s program, or a training opportunity for professionals.

Therapists often evaluate your PTSD symptoms with the use of structured assessments and clinical interviews. This often includes discussing your trauma history, current symptoms, and the effects they have on your overall emotional wellness. Your evaluation can include the use of self-report questionnaires or clinician-administered PTSD scales

Your evaluation will explore the duration and intensity of your symptoms so that you can begin an appropriate PTSD treatment program.

A mental health PTSD assessment can include various screeners, assessments, and other measures. While there are common mental health evaluation tools for PTSD, your therapist may use additional assessment measures to fully understand your mental health symptoms and level of psychological distress.

Examples of evaluations that may be used in your comprehensive mental health evaluation include:

  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): This is a structured clinical interview that explores the frequency and intensity of your PTSD symptoms. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing PTSD and assessing symptom severity.
  • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): This mental health assessment checklist is a self-report questionnaire where you would rate your PTSD symptoms for the last four weeks. This tool can be used to monitor your progress from month to month. 
  • Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5): This is commonly incorporated into the mental health assessment process to address various mental disorders, including PTSD. This interview can be useful for those experiencing complex mental health concerns.
  • Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R): This mental health assessment questionnaire focuses on the level of distress you experience after a traumatic event. This tool investigates the presence of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal, which are key PTSD symptoms.
  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): This diagnostic assessment is commonly used to assess for depressive symptoms that can co-occur with PTSD, tracking severity and impact on daily life
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): the PHQ-9 is a widely used assessment of mental health symptoms associated with depression. This can help understand mood symptoms associated with PTSD.
  • EQ-5D: This mental health assessment tool evaluates your quality of life by looking at five areas—mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, often affected by PTSD symptoms.
  • Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD): Mental health assessment interviews often include this clinician-administered tool to explore the severity of depression symptoms among those living with PTSD.
  • Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS): This is a standardized mental health assessment that measures mood changes. This tool focuses on tracking improvements or worsening of depressive symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.

What is a Free and Confidential PTSD Evaluation and Assessment?

A free PTSD test can help mental health professionals understand your symptoms so that they can compare them to that of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns. Treatment providers, including A Mission For Michael, provide complimentary emotional wellness assessments to help you understand your mental health needs as you explore treatment options.

You may be able to access assessments from local mental health therapists and mental health clinics. However, they may charge for their assessments. Contact AMFM today to begin your free assessment for mental disorders, including PTSD.

What Makes PTSD Assessments Confidential and Private?

The confidentiality aspect of mental health screenings is rooted in guidelines that mental health providers are required to follow. This includes HIPAA, which ensures that your private information is stored safely, and not shared with others whom you have not given permission to. This level of privacy offers you a level of protection in mental health treatment settings.

Confidentiality is a core component of mental health treatment and helps create a safe and supportive environment. These qualities are essential to having a space where you can improve your emotional well-being.

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

A Mission For Michael can help you understand your mental health needs with a complimentary PTSD disorder test. Additionally, our admission counselors can review our available treatment programs, and provide personalized recommendations based on the symptoms you’re experiencing, and their severity. Dial (866)478-4383 today to get started.

What Questions Are Asked During the PTSD Assessment Process?

Your clinical assessment can include various questions to understand your specific PTSD symptoms. The progression of your assessment is dependent on whether your therapist is using structured assessments or not. Some of the questions that may be included in your emotional wellness assessment include:

  • “Could you tell me about the events or experiences that have contributed to your current symptoms and challenges?”: This is used to identify traumatic incidents impacting your overall mental health.
  • “How long have you been living with these symptoms?”: This helps determine the duration of your symptoms to compare to mental health diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
  • “What symptoms would you say are the most challenging to cope with?”: Your therapist can better understand how to prioritize treatment by identifying core symptoms such as negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • “Can you describe how your symptoms affected your daily life?”: Helps your therapist understand the full effect of your symptoms on relationships, work, and self-care.
  • “Have you been avoiding certain places, people, or activities?”: This can help tease out avoidance behaviors that commonly occur among those living with PTSD.
  • “Have you had nightmares or flashbacks related to trauma?”: This question focuses on assessing for re-experiencing symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.
  • “How would you describe your mood or behavior since the trauma?”: Helps your therapist assess for mood and behavioral changes resulting from your trauma. 
  • “Can you tell me about your sleep lately?”: Highlights sleep disturbances and hyperarousal symptoms associated with PTSD.

Who Performs Psychological Testing and Assessments for PTSD?

Mental health evaluation tools can be used by psychologists and licensed mental health professionals. These mental health professionals have specialized training in assessing trauma-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder. They are often familiar with various mental health assessment tools that can help them accurately and effectively diagnose PTSD.

Psychiatrists, social workers, and trauma specialists can also conduct mental health assessment interviews, with the proper educational and clinical experiences. These professionals often work within mental health treatment centers, and use their mental health assessment forms to build personalized treatment plans.

Can I Schedule a PTSD Assessment for My Dependent or My Loved One?

Yes, you may schedule a PTSD psychological evaluation for a loved one or child. It is not uncommon for family or friends to reach out when they are concerned for a loved one. For some, having the help and support of family and friends during the initial steps of the admission process can make it easier to engage in treatment.  

It is important to note that while you can schedule the assessment for your loved one, they need to be open to participating in an assessment of disorders. If you would like to learn more about how you can support your loved one in their recovery, contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center by dialing (866)478-4383 today.

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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. 

    How Much Does a PTSD Assessment Cost?

    PTSD assessments are a helpful tool that can help professionals assess the severity of your mental health symptoms. These are often individualized to each individual and can vary in price. For those who receive an assessment during an individual session, it can cost between $100 to $200.  Specialized assessments can cost up to $1,500.

    For those who are using a paid assessment, you may find that the overall cost of evaluations is greatly reduced with the use of insurance coverage. A Mission For Michael is proud to provide complementary PTSD evaluations as a component of our admission process. This allows you to receive a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment recommendation based on your unique symptoms. Contact us today to begin your free PTSD test, and review how to pay for treatment.

    What Are Differences Between Mental Health PTSD Screening, Testing and Assessment

    The terms screening, testing, and assessment, are often used interchangeably. There are unique differences among each, which sets them apart from each other. Screenings are a quick tool that can be used to identify symptoms that you’re experiencing. This can be used during initial contacts, and at later times to assess progress throughout treatment.

    Tests are a structured resource, such as questionnaires. They can measure the intensity of your symptoms, and the effects that they have. Assessments are a comprehensive tool that explores your mental health history, detailed understanding of your symptoms, physical health concerns, and your relationships. Assessments can include the use of both screeners and testing measures.  

    psychologist and patient in therapy session.

    What Happens When I am Diagnosed With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

    After your mental health PTSD assessment, your therapist will review your results. If appropriate, they will then help you understand your PTSD diagnosis by discussing the specific criteria that your experience aligns with. From there, our clinical team will craft your personalized treatment plan.

    At AMFM, our clinical team will develop a personalized treatment plan that can include mindfulness practices, supportive counseling, and peer support for PTSD. Our residential treatment programs can help you develop coping strategies for PTSD that can support you as you move forward. We encourage you to contact us directly to learn more about our mental health PTSD assessment, and available treatment programs.

    The ideal time to reach out for support is after you experience a trauma or traumatic event. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to postpone reaching out for help until they begin to experience symptoms and other signs of distress. Some of the symptoms or challenges that indicate that you may benefit from a PTSD evaluation include:

      • Anxiety or Panic
      • Aggressive, threatening, assaulting behaviors
      • Suicidal and homicidal thoughts
      • Self-harm behaviors
      • Depressive symptoms
      • Continued or worsening substance use
      • Moodiness and irritability
      • Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

    If you have found yourself experiencing significant psychological distress after a trauma or traumatic event, we want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Our admission counselors are available now to provide you with support and guidance. Call us today to begin your PTSD disorder test.

    Yes, you may be asked about your use of substances. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that almost 45% of those who have had PTSD also met diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use or substance use disorder. This highlights the prevalence of these co-existing conditions and the importance of comprehensive assessments.

    Examples of questions that may be asked regarding your substance use during a PTSD assessment include:

    • “Have you found that drinking or other substances provide you with relief from your symptoms?”: This explores your use of drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for your PTSD symptoms.
    • “Can you tell me about how often you drink alcohol or use drugs?”: Determines the frequency of your use.
    • “Do you experience cravings or urges to use or drink?”: Cravings are a common experience for those who are struggling with a substance use disorder. 
    • “Would you say that your substance use has affected your relationships or work?”: This explores the effect that alcohol has had on different areas of your life.
    • “Have you found that you drink more, or for a longer period than you initially planned?” An inability to control or limit substance use is a key symptom of substance use disorders.
    • “Do you need to consume more to experience the same effects?”: This question assesses the development of tolerance.
    • “Have you experienced withdrawal or sickness following alcohol or drug use?”: This question assesses for physical dependency.
    • Studies have indicated that those who are living with post traumatic stress disorder are twice as likely to meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder, three times more likely to develop a drug use disorder, and more than three times more likely to become dependent on nicotine. 
    • PTSD affected an estimated 3.6% of adults in the United States in the last year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health
    •  The World Health Organization indicated that there is a greater prevalence of PTSD among women compared to men.
    • Approximately 37% of those living with PTSD in the U.S. experience severe symptoms.
    • PTSD does not develop for everyone who has lived through a traumatic experience.

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