Mental Health Evaluations vary from each patient and the degree of evaluation can differ amongst everyone. At Olive Branch Counseling and Training an appropriate evaluation will be determined after a thorough conversation with the adult patient, or Parents and child in the office or over the phone. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) I am trained to evaluate and assess for multiple mental health disorders. Every complete evaluation will provide a written report with a diagnostic impression that can be shared at the patient’s discretion. Most evaluations are completed in 1-2 sessions and reports are completed within 14 business days.
Who benefits from an evaluation
Anyone who is experiencing any type of mental health distress, is new to therapy, has had previous failed attempts in therapy, or is considering seeing a Psychiatrist for medications is a good candidate for an evaluation. Seeking an evaluation can be a way to help your current or future therapist and doctor create a more efficient and individualized treatment plan. If you have been asked by a professional to seek an evaluation for bariatric, pain/spine surgical clearance or hormone replacement therapy or any other type of evaluation, we can complete your evaluation.
How To Prepare For An Evaluation
Try to relax and be as calm as you can, most evaluations take 3-5 hours, and we work hard to make it as stress-free as possible. You can expect to answer a variety of question such as True and False, on a scale of 1-5, and how have you been feeling in the past month questions. You may bring a fidget toy, small blanket, or an item to help you feel grounded and relaxed.
If the evaluation is for a child or adolescent, talk to them beforehand about the evaluation and explain that they will be seen by a professional who is kind and compassionate about how they feel. This will help them prepare for the visit. You may choose to tell them a bit about myself from my bio to ease their anxiety. They will get to play with toys, color and draw as a part of the evaluation. My approach involves a child observation, parent child observation, and interviews to complete the evaluation. You may choose to bring an additional caretaker to care for the child while we complete the parent interview.
Lastly, any additional documents that you may have from previous mental health providers, evaluations, doctors, medications, or school paperwork may be helpful for the evaluation, but not necessary.
Meet Dr. Artemio Garcia Jr.
Dr. Garcia has lived in San Antonio since 2011 and is devoted to serving his community. He is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, also serving Spanish speaking clients. He has 10 years of experience in mental health, training, and evaluations. Is a published author researching learned helplessness, alcohol abuse, depression and diabetes. He also has three adopted children with special needs and understands the personal needs for mental health evaluations and therapy.
Payment Options
We take most insurances and offer the most affordable private pay rates with much shorter wait time than anyone else in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. You can’t afford not to schedule an evaluation. Find out today when his next opening is.
Scheduling
We do request a $150 non-refundable scheduling deposit. Deposit will be placed towards total evaluation cost or insurance copay. Subject to refund based individual insurance plan.
You may schedule by calling 830-368-5033 and speaking with our Client Care Coordinator Stephanie Talamantez.
Evaluations will take place at our Helotes location:
12274 BANDERA RD. SUITE 101
HELOTES, TX 78023
TELEPHONE: (210) 564-4310
•ADHD
•Oppositional Defiant Disorder
•Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
•Bipolar
•Depression
•Anxiety
•IQ Testing
•Personality Disorders
•Intellectual and Developmental Disorders
•Autism Spectrum Disorder
•Gender Dysphoria
•Eating Disorders
•Gifted and Talented
•And Other Mental Health Areas
Additional Testing Includes:
•Bariatric and Spine Surgical Clearance
•Spinal Cord Stimulator Clearance
•Pain Management
•Hormone Replacement Therapy
•Adoption Evaluations
•Additional Type of Evaluations Based on Request