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The admissions process at Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena begins with a free, confidential mental health assessment. In this initial evaluation, our qualified and experienced staff speaks with potential patients and their families to get an understanding of their current situation. If the individual seeking help could benefit from mental health treatment, we will help him or her create a plan for recovery based on his or her specific needs and goals.
The Mental Health Assessment Process
Our goal when performing a mental health assessment is to make you feel comfortable with the situation and help you understand what the best course of care is and why. Each initial evaluation is a one-on-one meeting with a licensed assessment and information clinician who will discuss with you your immediate concerns and emotions, as well as past medical and psychiatric history. If chemical dependency or alcohol abuse is a co-occurring condition for you, we will address that illness with equal attention as part of a dual diagnosis. The primary purpose of each mental health assessment is to help you set a realistic plan for improving your mental health with the appropriate comprehensive treatment.
Las Encinas Hospital’s mental health evaluation process is coordinated to allow the clinician to effectively and efficiently determine which program would best meet your unique needs. Family members and friends who will assist you and offer support on your road to recovery are welcome to be present and involved in the entire admissions process.
Determining Treatment Options
A mental health assessment at Las Encinas is not a psychiatric evaluation, but rather a method of discovery that helps us determine if hospitalization is necessary. For some patients, involvement in one of our intensive outpatient programs might be a better option. Either way, after performing the assessment, the clinician will discuss the results with you and help you determine what steps to take next. The entire mental health evaluation is approximately 45 minutes in length, and can be done at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If admission to the hospital is determined to be the most helpful course of action for you, the average time to complete the entire process is 1 to 2 hours.
Our admissions and assessment professionals are standing by and able to take your call whenever you are ready to take that first step toward recovery. We will be happy to answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have during your evaluation. No two individuals are alike, and we try to alleviate patient worry and anxiety by treating each one with respect and dignity. We know dealing with mental and behavioral conditions can be scary, so every step of our intake process has been designed to make your stay at our behavioral hospital more comfortable.
If you or a loved one are dealing with a mental or behavioral health condition and think treatment might be necessary, call (626) 795-9901 or contact Las Encinas online to schedule a mental health assessment.