Psychiatric evaluation · Ages 10 and up
A psychiatric evaluation that starts with understanding you.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment to understand your symptoms, history, functioning, concerns, and treatment needs, and the first step in a complete course of outpatient care. In person in Chester, Virginia by appointment, or by secure telehealth.
- Now accepting new patients
- 45–60 minute first visit
- Insurance or $250 self-pay
- Telehealth in 8 states
Functioning well on the outside. Still feeling like something isn't quite right.
You may be managing work, school, family, and everyday responsibilities while still feeling like something isn't quite right. An evaluation is a good place to start if you recognize any of these:
- Concentration that comes and goes, no matter how hard you try
- Anxiety that sits underneath an ordinary day
- Changes in mood you cannot quite explain
- Stress that has stopped easing when the day ends
- Intrusive thoughts you have not said out loud
- Trauma-related symptoms that still surface
What your evaluation covers
Your first appointment, typically 45 to 60 minutes, focuses on understanding the whole picture before any recommendation is made.
- Your concerns
What brings you in, and what you most want to feel different.
- Your symptoms
What you are experiencing, how long it has been going on, and how it shows up day to day.
- Your history
Past mental health care, medications you have tried, and relevant medical and family history.
- How you are functioning
How things are going at work, school, home, and in your relationships.
- Your treatment goals
What a good outcome looks like to you, so the plan fits your life.
- Your treatment options
Appropriate options for your situation. Medication recommendations are individualized, never automatic.
From evaluation to ongoing care
- Complete your intake
Fill out your intake forms before your first appointment.
- Psychiatric evaluation
We talk through your symptoms, history, concerns, and goals.
- A personalized treatment plan
An individualized treatment approach based on your evaluation and goals.
- Ongoing follow-up
Follow-up care to monitor progress and adjust the plan when appropriate, with supportive therapy incorporated when clinically appropriate.
Before your first visit
- Complete your intake forms ahead of time.
- Have a list of current and past medications, including doses and what did or didn't work.
- Note the questions you want to ask.
- For telehealth: a private, quiet space, a device with a camera, and you must be in one of our 8 licensed states.
Already taking medication? We can continue your care after an evaluation.
When it helps, we add objective tools
Two tools are available to support evaluation and treatment planning. Ask about either one at your visit.
QbCheck
An FDA-cleared, computer-based test that objectively measures attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. $150, not covered by insurance.
About ADHD evaluation →GeneSight
Pharmacogenomic testing that may show how your body responds to many commonly prescribed psychiatric medications.
About medication management →Ongoing care
Follow-up visits to monitor effectiveness, tolerability, and your treatment goals over time.
About follow-up care →Costs & insurance
| Initial psychiatric evaluation | Insurance or $250 self-pay |
| Follow-up visit | Insurance or $150 self-pay |
| QbCheck ADHD test (optional) | $150 self-pay |
Coverage depends on your plan. See insurance details.
Plans accepted in Virginia
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Aetna
- Cigna
- BCBS (CareFirst)
- Humana
- Aetna Better Health
- Innovation Health Aetna
- Optum / UHC
- UMR
- Oscar Health Plan
- Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
- Carelon
- Devoted Health
- Sentara Health
Washington State patients can use one of 10 accepted plans, and Washington, D.C. patients can use CareFirst. In other states, care is self-pay while insurance credentialing is underway.
In person or by telehealth
In person in Chester, VA
11300 Iron Bridge Rd, Suite C
Chester, VA 23831
In-person visits by appointment.
Secure telehealth
You must be physically located in one of these states at the time of your appointment:
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- Maryland
- Washington State
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Arizona
- Massachusetts
Psychiatric evaluation questions
What happens during the first appointment?
The first appointment focuses on understanding your concerns, history, symptoms, functioning, treatment goals, and appropriate treatment options.
How long is the first appointment?
The initial psychiatric evaluation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
How much does a psychiatric evaluation cost?
The initial psychiatric evaluation can be billed to one of 15 insurance plans accepted for Virginia patients, or is $250 at the self-pay rate. Follow-up visits are $150 self-pay, or billed to insurance.
Will I automatically receive medication?
No. Medication recommendations are individualized and depend on the psychiatric evaluation, clinical history, and treatment needs.
Can I have my evaluation by telehealth?
Yes, subject to applicable state telehealth requirements. Telehealth visits are available in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Washington State, Colorado, Connecticut, Arizona, and Massachusetts, and you must be physically located in one of those states at the time of your appointment. In-person visits are available at our Chester, Virginia office by appointment.
Are there conditions you do not treat?
Yes. Great Minds is primarily a telehealth practice. For safety and appropriate evaluation, we do not provide care for suicidal crises, psychosis, or schizophrenia, which need in-person evaluation and a higher level of support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
Do you provide documentation or forms?
Documentation and forms require a minimum of six months of continuous treatment engagement with the practice.
Do you provide therapy?
Supportive therapy may be incorporated into psychiatric care when clinically appropriate. Great Minds is not a standalone weekly psychotherapy practice. If you need a more specialized or ongoing therapy, we will refer you to an appropriate therapist.
More questions? See our full FAQ or call (804) 295-4344.
Taking the first step is a conversation, not a commitment.
Book a psychiatric evaluation online, or call us with your questions first. Now accepting new patients, ages 10 and up.