What the evaluation covers
Justina uses DSM-5 diagnostic criteria — the standard framework across psychiatry — but the appointment is a conversation, not a checklist. She asks about current symptoms and how they affect daily life, your psychiatric and medical history, current medications and how past treatments worked, sleep, substance use, and the support you have at home.
Why the medical picture matters
Thyroid problems, pain, poor sleep, infections, and side effects from other medications can all mimic or worsen psychiatric symptoms. Because Justina's background is in transplant, neuro-ICU, and critical-care nursing, she pays close attention to the medical side of mental health and coordinates with your other providers when something needs a closer look.
What you leave with
By the end of the visit you should have a working understanding of the diagnosis in plain language, a discussion of options — which may or may not include medication — and a clear sense of what happens next. Risk assessment and safety planning are part of every evaluation when they are needed.
What this includes
- Review of current symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Psychiatric, medical, and family history
- Current medications and past treatment responses
- Risk assessment and safety planning when needed
- A diagnosis explained in plain language, with treatment recommendations
How to get started
Online scheduling and practice contact options are being finalized. This page will update as soon as they are available. New patients begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.