Psychiatric Evaluation in Connecticut
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your mental health, history, and symptoms used to reach an accurate diagnosis and build a treatment plan. Suzanne Gallagher, PMHNP-BC, provides thorough adult psychiatric evaluations across Connecticut, in person in New Canaan or by telehealth.
What to Expect at the Initial Visit
Your first appointment is a conversation, not a checklist. Suzanne walks through what brought you in, your current symptoms, your medical and psychiatric history, medications you've tried, and how you're sleeping, working, and functioning day to day. The visit is scheduled as an extended appointment so nothing feels rushed.
What She Assesses
- Current symptoms and how long they've been present
- Personal and family mental health history
- Medical history and current medications
- Sleep, energy, concentration, and daily functioning
- Conditions that can overlap or mimic each other — like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders
What Follows
You'll leave with Suzanne's diagnostic impressions and a concrete plan. When medication is appropriate, that plan continues as ongoing medication management — with close follow-up while treatment is being dialed in. When therapy or another service is the better fit, she'll say so and point you in the right direction, including for women's and perinatal concerns.
Cost
The self-pay rate for an initial psychiatric evaluation is $300. Suzanne is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum — see insurance & billing for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What It Is
What is a psychiatric evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your mental health, symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, and goals. It's used to reach an accurate diagnosis and build a treatment plan — which may include medication management, referral to therapy, or both.
What happens during a psychiatric evaluation?
Suzanne asks about your current symptoms, personal and family history, medical background, medications, sleep, and daily functioning. It's a structured but comfortable conversation — not a test. By the end, she reviews her impressions and discusses recommended next steps with you.
How long does a psychiatric evaluation take?
Initial evaluations are scheduled as extended visits — typically around an hour — so there's time for a thorough history, your questions, and an unhurried discussion of the treatment plan.
Preparing for Your Visit
How should I prepare for my first psychiatric appointment?
Bring a list of current medications and doses, any past psychiatric medications you've tried, and relevant medical history. It also helps to note your main concerns and goals. If you've had prior psychiatric care, records are helpful but not required.
What will the provider ask me?
Expect questions about your symptoms and how long they've been present; your sleep, energy, mood, and concentration; your medical and family history; current medications; and what you'd like to get out of treatment. Honest answers help Suzanne reach an accurate diagnosis.
Will I get a diagnosis at the first visit?
Often, yes — many patients leave the first visit with a working diagnosis and the start of a treatment plan. Some situations need more information, such as records or follow-up discussion, before a diagnosis is confirmed. Suzanne shares her thinking with you either way.
Access & Cost
How much does a psychiatric evaluation cost?
The self-pay rate for an initial psychiatric evaluation is $300. Suzanne is also in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum; with in-network insurance, your cost depends on your plan's copay and deductible.
Is a psychiatric evaluation available by telehealth in CT?
Yes. Adults located anywhere in Connecticut can complete a psychiatric evaluation by secure video visit. In-person evaluations are available in New Canaan. Both formats cover the same comprehensive assessment.
Do you accept insurance for evaluations?
Yes. Suzanne is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum. Out-of-network patients can pay the self-pay rate and receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement.
Ready to take the first step?
Complete the appointment request form and Suzanne will personally review your request.