Do I need a referral for a psychiatric evaluation?

No referral is required. Submit a confidential inquiry and we will guide you through intake and scheduling.

What is the difference between an evaluation and therapy?

An evaluation is psychiatric assessment focused on diagnosis and treatment planning, including medication when appropriate. Therapy (counseling) is talk-based treatment with a therapist. Many patients benefit from both.

Can I get a diagnosis during my first visit?

When enough clinical information is gathered, your PMHNP may discuss a diagnosis and explain it in plain language. Some situations require follow-up before a final determination.

Do I need to visit an office in Albany, NY?

No. Evaluations are provided through telehealth. Our practice is based in Albany, NY, but you attend from anywhere in NY, CA, or FL at the time of your appointment.

Psychiatric evaluation

Psychiatric Evaluation

You've been carrying symptoms for too long — but you still don't have clear answers about what's going on or what to do next. That uncertainty alone can feel exhausting.

A psychiatric evaluation gives you clarity: a thorough, unhurried assessment with a board-certified PMHNP, honest answers, and a treatment plan explained in language you understand.

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Board-Certified PMHNP-BC
Telehealth psychiatric care
Ages 12+
Major insurance accepted

Understanding your care

What is psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment led by a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). It is the starting point for understanding your mental health — not a rushed checklist.

During your evaluation, your PMHNP reviews your symptoms, psychiatric and medical history, medications, and daily functioning. The goal is an accurate clinical picture and thoughtful recommendations for what comes next.

This is psychiatric care — not therapy-only counseling. Your PMHNP can diagnose when appropriate and discuss treatment options, including medication when clinically indicated.

At Mindful Healing, evaluations are conducted entirely through secure telehealth for patients in New York, California, and Florida where Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC, is licensed.

You are not imagining it

Symptoms you may be experiencing

If any of these feel familiar, you are not alone — and you do not have to figure out next steps by yourself.

Persistent anxiety, worry, or panic that interferes with daily life
Low mood, hopelessness, or loss of interest lasting weeks or longer
Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, or suspected ADHD symptoms
Sleep disruption — insomnia, oversleeping, or unrestful nights
Mood swings, irritability, or energy changes that feel out of character
Trauma-related flashbacks, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness
Feeling overwhelmed without knowing why — or knowing why but not knowing how to move forward
Wanting a second opinion on an existing diagnosis or treatment plan

How it works

How treatment works

A clear path forward — so you always know what happens next.

01
Request a consultation
Submit a confidential inquiry or call the practice. We respond with clear next steps — no pressure, no jargon.
02
Complete intake forms
Share your history through secure forms so your evaluation can focus on you, not paperwork.
03
Attend your evaluation
A 45–60 minute telehealth session with your PMHNP to discuss symptoms, history, and goals in depth.
04
Receive your plan
Leave with a clearer understanding of your diagnosis (when appropriate), treatment options, and recommended next steps.

Why treatment helps

Benefits of psychiatric evaluation

Clear diagnosis and treatment direction after a single thorough visit
Plain-language explanations — no medical jargon without context
Telehealth convenience from anywhere in NY, CA, or FL
Same PMHNP for evaluation and ongoing care
Insurance verification before your first scheduled visit
Coordination with therapists and primary care when helpful

Is this right for you?

Who is this for?

Adults with new or worsening mental health symptoms seeking clarity
People who have never seen a psychiatric provider before
Those wanting a second opinion on an existing diagnosis or plan
Patients in NY, CA, or FL who prefer telehealth psychiatric care
Anyone unsure whether medication, therapy, or both may help

Before you worry

What to expect during your appointment

Your PMHNP will ask about current symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your work, relationships, and daily life.
You will review psychiatric history, prior treatments, and what has or hasn't helped before.
Medical history and current medications are discussed — psychiatric care considers the whole picture.
There is time for your questions. Nothing is rushed, and you are never expected to share more than you are ready to.
By the end of the visit, you should understand what your PMHNP believes is going on and what treatment options — including medication — may make sense for you.
If medication is recommended, your PMHNP explains why, what to expect, and how follow-up will work.

Is telehealth available?

Yes — Yes. Every service at Mindful Healing is delivered through secure, HIPAA-conscious telehealth video visits — no in-office appointments.

Private video sessions with Astrude Charles, PMHNP-BC
Available to patients physically located in NY, CA, or FL at visit time
Works on phone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone
Same clinician for evaluation, follow-up, and medication management
Instructions sent before your first session so you know exactly what to expect

Insurance information

Many major insurance plans are accepted, and transparent self-pay options are available. We verify your coverage before your first visit is scheduled — so cost surprises don't add to your stress.

In-network and out-of-network options depending on your plan
Telehealth psychiatric visits billed per your plan's telehealth benefits
Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable
Self-pay rates discussed clearly before you commit
Good Faith Estimates available under the No Surprises Act

Verify Insurance →

Frequently asked questions

Initial evaluations are typically 45–60 minutes. This allows enough time for a thorough clinical interview without rushing through your history.

Insurance accepted

Many major plans cover telehealth psychiatric care. We verify your benefits before your first visit — and offer transparent self-pay options when needed.

Verify Insurance

Patient experiences

What patients say about our care

“I was nervous before my first appointment, but it felt easy to open up once we started. Everything was explained clearly and I never felt judged or rushed.”
Jessica M. · New York, NY

“What stood out was how much attention was given to what I was actually saying. It felt like someone genuinely trying to understand what I'm going through.”
Daniel R. · Los Angeles, CA

When you're ready

Ready to start with psychiatric evaluation?

Request a confidential consultation with a PMHNP in Albany, NY. We will answer your questions and guide you through what happens next — with no pressure.

Confidential inquiry
No office visit needed
Clear next steps

NYCAFL

Your next step

Request a Consultation Verify Insurance

Rather talk it through first?

+1 (347) 506-3881

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