How We Evaluate Patients

Patients referred to the UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry undergo a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation designed to clarify diagnosis, assess illness severity, and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway. Our evaluation process emphasizes clinical precision, safety, and individualized decision-making.

Each evaluation includes a detailed review of:

• Psychiatric history, including symptom course, prior diagnoses, and treatment response
• Adequacy and tolerability of previous medication and psychotherapy trials
• Current symptom severity, functional impairment, and quality of life
• Suicide risk, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors
• Prior exposure to interventional treatments, when applicable

When appropriate, standardized rating scales and measurement-based tools are used to quantify symptom burden and monitor outcomes over time. Collateral information from referring clinicians, family members, or prior treatment records is incorporated whenever available to ensure continuity and accuracy.

For patients being considered for interventional therapies, the evaluation also includes:

• Assessment of indications and contraindications for specific treatments
• Review of relevant medical history and medications
• Discussion of potential benefits, risks, and alternatives
• Determination of the most appropriate setting for care (outpatient, IOP, PHP, or inpatient)

The evaluation process is collaborative and patient-centered. Findings and recommendations are reviewed with patients and, when appropriate, with family members or referring clinicians. This approach ensures that treatment decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with each patient’s clinical needs and goals.