If you have been having problems emotionally or mentally, you may have decided to seek the help of a psychotherapist to help you figure out and deal with your issues. However, after being told that you will undergo an evaluation during your first visit, you may be wondering if there is anything special that you need to do before and during it. If so, use the tips below to help you get the most out of your upcoming psychological evaluation.

1.  Keep a Journal for a Few Days Before the Evaluation

During the evaluation, you will most likely be given tests and be asked questions by the therapist to delve deeper into the areas with which you are having problems. However, if you are nervous about being in the spotlight, you may forget to mention certain symptoms, feelings, or thoughts that are vital to beginning your therapy treatments.

To help you keep track of everything so that you can relay what you are feeling to the therapist, keep a journal for a few days or a week before your appointment. Jot down notes about any thoughts or feelings that come into your mind when faced with certain situations.

If you have any symptoms, such as feelings of anxiety like sweating and rapid heartbeat when out in public or facing certain people, write these down as well. If you have any questions that come to mind that you wish to ask the therapist, take note of these on a separate page, such as the first page in the journal.

2.  Be Completely Honest with the Therapist

When you start going to a therapist, they can only help you if they know what your true thoughts and feelings are. While taking any psychological profile tests or answering any questions, be completely honest. 

If you are nervous about being judged and think you have to give the therapist the "right" answers, rest assured that they are not there to judge you but to help you. If you are overly anxious, you may want to take a few minutes before the evaluation begins to discuss these feelings with the therapist so that they can help you get through your feelings.

Taking time to be thorough with your thoughts and feelings while being completely honest with your psychotherapist can help them come up with a treatment plan that can help you work through any mental or emotional health issues you may have. For more information about psychological evaluations, speak with your doctor or psychologist.