Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can be difficult to recover from, but fortunately, there are mental health professionals who can help you process and deal with the aftermath of a traumatic or terrifying event. Psychotherapy can help you heal if you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the first step in that healing process is to schedule a PTSD assessment to help your provider better understand your unique situation and struggle.
Taking the first step toward treatment and healing can be daunting, but knowing what to expect from your PTSD assessment can help you feel prepared and ready to discuss things with your provider. In this article, we’ll outline the main things you can expect from a PTSD assessment.
The first thing that you’ll likely discuss is the traumatic event itself. This can be difficult for many people, but your provider is there to make you feel safe and as comfortable as possible while you discuss what happened. Once they have a better understanding of what happened, they will likely perform an interview that may include asking if you have taken any steps towards recovery on your own or if you have ever sought the assistance of another mental health provider.
They’ll likely ask how often you experience symptoms and how severe they are to help determine the specific nature of your PTSD and how it impacts your life. You may be asked to fill out a self-assessment and answer questions during a verbal interview to help your provider better understand your situation, so don’t be surprised if you encounter similar questions with slight variations during your PTSD assessment process.
If you’re ready to take steps toward overcoming PTSD, Dr. James Campbell can help you on your journey to recovery. Contact our office to learn more about scheduling a PTSD assessment.