A thorough psychiatric evaluation is more than a checklist. It's a conversation designed to see you as a whole person — not just a diagnosis.
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive, one-on-one clinical interview with a licensed psychiatric provider. Its purpose is to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, life circumstances, and goals — so that care can be accurately targeted and effective.
It is not a test you pass or fail. There is no single scan or blood panel that diagnoses a mental health condition. Instead, the evaluation draws on your own story, your patterns, and a structured clinical framework to reach a working diagnosis and treatment plan you understand and agree with.
At Alice Tran Psychiatric Care, every patient starts with a full evaluation — by telehealth, from anywhere in Virginia, in English or Tiếng Việt.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you:
You do not need a referral. You do not need to have a diagnosis already. Uncertainty is a perfectly valid reason to seek an evaluation.
Your first appointment is 60 minutes. That time belongs to you. Here is what Alice covers:
When did things start? What has changed? What have you already tried? Alice asks about your mental health background, family history, medical history, and any prior diagnoses or medications.
How are you sleeping? How is your energy, your focus, your mood day to day? Are you avoiding things? Are relationships or work suffering? The details of your daily life often tell as much as any symptom list.
Stress looks different depending on where you're from and what you're carrying. Alice brings particular depth to working with immigrants, international students, and bicultural patients — because context shapes what symptoms mean and what care should look like.
At the end of the session, you will leave with a clear explanation of what Alice found, a working diagnosis if appropriate, and a concrete plan — whether that means medication, follow-up therapy, monitoring, or referral.
Therapy and psychiatric evaluation serve different purposes, and people often need both.
| Psychiatric Evaluation | Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Diagnose and develop a treatment plan | Process emotions, build coping skills |
| Frequency | Initial eval + follow-up appointments | Weekly or biweekly ongoing sessions |
| Medication | Can prescribe and manage medication | Cannot prescribe medication |
| Best for | Getting clarity on diagnosis, starting medication | Long-term emotional work and skills |
Alice offers both psychiatric evaluation and supportive therapy, so you can receive coordinated care in one place rather than juggling multiple providers.
Alice evaluates and treats a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Not sure if what you're experiencing has a name? That's exactly what an evaluation is for.
Before your appointment:
After your evaluation:
Insurance & Rates: Alice accepts Aetna, Medicaid, Medicare, Carelon, Anthem BCBS Virginia, and Humana Military. Self-pay rates are available. View rates and insurance details →
No. You can book directly online. A referral from your primary care doctor or therapist is welcome but not required.
In most cases, yes. Alice aims to leave you with a working diagnosis and a clear plan at the end of your evaluation. Occasionally, follow-up information is needed before a final diagnosis is confirmed.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation relies on conversation, not physical examination. Telehealth allows the same depth and quality of assessment — with the added benefit of being accessible from your home, office, or car.
That's fine — and often helpful context. Alice will review your history with fresh eyes. If you'd like to share prior records, you can upload them through the patient portal before your appointment.
Alice is currently accepting new patients and typically sees new patients within 1–2 weeks of booking.
More questions? Visit the full FAQ →
If you are in crisis right now, please do not wait for an appointment.
Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential, available 24/7.
For emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Alice Tran Psychiatric Care does not operate 24/7 and does not provide crisis services. Emails, voicemails, text or portal messages are typically responded to within 24 to 72 business hours.
Telehealth, across Virginia. Typically available within 1–2 weeks.
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