Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Functional psychiatric evaluation with targeted labs
This page is for people who need a diagnosis formulated — not a same-day stimulant script from a portal message.
Clinical scope of Psychiatric Evaluations in Broward County
Best-practice evaluation is the one that writes a differential and a monitoring plan. Star adjectives in old keywords are marketing residue, not a ranking.
Telehealth evaluation is appropriate when the patient is in Florida, the presentation is not an emergency, and a physical exam is not required that day.
Local context for Psychiatric Evaluations in Broward County
Psychosis, OCD, or eating-disorder questions were skipped because the template did not include them.
A previous provider documented 'depression' without asking about postpartum onset, seasonal pattern, or mixed features.
Chronic pain, shift work at the port or airport, and hurricane displacement in Broward County never made it into the history.
Questions we hear about Psychiatric Evaluations
Can I use this evaluation for a legal letter?
Only if the interview actually supports the opinion. We do not write unsupported letters.
Do you diagnose on the first visit?
Usually we can state a working diagnosis and differential after the first complete interview. Some presentations need collateral, labs, or a second visit.
Can you evaluate psychosis?
Yes, and we will escalate to a higher level of care if outpatient treatment is unsafe.
Is the visit confidential?
HIPAA applies, with the usual safety exceptions (imminent harm, mandated reports).
Is GeneSight required?
No. It is considered after failed medication trials or significant side effects.
How long is a psychiatric evaluation?
New evaluations are typically 60–90 minutes. Follow-up length depends on risk and how many variables changed.
From intake to follow-up: Psychiatric Evaluations
Opening 10 minutes: chief concern, safety, and what you want the evaluation to decide.
Scales are chosen to match the hypothesis — we do not print every questionnaire in the building.
Formulation is shared in plain language: what is likely, what is possible, what we are watching.
Psychiatric review of systems covers mood, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, trauma, ADHD, sleep, eating, and substance use even if you came for only one of those.
DSM-5-TR framing for walk-in psych evaluation
New or unexplained mood, anxiety, attentional, or psychotic symptoms lasting beyond a brief adjustment reaction.
Family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis that changes how aggressively we screen.
A request for a second opinion before a major medication change or a disability form.
Adult ADHD concern with childhood onset clues or with strong mimic risk (sleep, trauma, mood).
Psychiatric Evaluations versus a generic template visit
ER psychiatry stabilizes crises. Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluations is for people who can wait for a scheduled diagnostic hour.
Therapy intake focuses on process and alliance. Psychiatric evaluation focuses on diagnosis, risk, and medical treatment options.
A primary-care PHQ-9 is a screen. This evaluation is a diagnostic interview with a mental status exam.
Monitoring and safety in Psychiatric Evaluations
Patients can request a copy of the formulation; mystery diagnoses are not a clinical style.
Missed appointments after a high-risk visit trigger outreach, not silent discharge.
Higher level of care is recommended when outpatient Psychiatric Evaluations cannot hold the risk.
Safety screen every visit: SI/HI, psychosis, inability to care for self, and intoxication.
Schedule with Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Crisis now is 988 or the ER — not the booking form. For non-urgent Psychiatric Evaluations, use (888) 307-2199 during weekday hours.
Call (888) 307-2199 to hold an appointment for Psychiatric Evaluations. Mention Hollywood so staff can plan in-office versus Florida telehealth for the first visit.
Related care
Clinician: Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Last medical review: 2026-09-21.
Florida telehealth psychiatry is available to established and new patients located in Florida at the time of the visit, subject to licensure and clinical appropriateness. An in-person evaluation at the Hollywood office may be recommended when a physical exam, vital signs, or a more complete diagnostic interview is needed.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always seek care from a qualified clinician for questions about a medical or psychiatric condition. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.