So you’ve decided to schedule a mental health assessment so you can have the evidence you need to support your claim. How do you prepare?
Before the assessment
First, you want to ensure your forms are filled out and you have submitted all requested documentation in advance. This will give your psychologist what they need to prepare for your evaluation.
If it’s a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) assessment, feel free to review the respective VA form so you have an idea of which topics will be covered. The psychologist will be filling out this form for you to submit with your claim. Below are links to both DBQ forms used by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Independent medical opinions (IMOs) cover similar topics, so reviewing those forms can be helpful for these evaluations as well.
Next, clear your calendar for the date and time of your assessment to avoid work or family conflicts. If you have to work before or after, have a plan for how you will transition to and from your assessment space and back to work.
All VMHA assessments are virtual, which means they’re conducted over the internet. For virtual assessments, identify where you will physically participate in the assessment. This is very important. You need to be stationary, and you need privacy. Too many veterans have tried to drive while having their assessment. This can not work. You and your psychologist will be covering sensitive topics and you need to be able to focus without distractions. So find a private location where you feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly.
Speaking of virtual, there are strict regulations governing telehealth and the state that you must physically be in to participate in the assessment. If you will be traveling outside of your home state on the date of your assessment, communicate that as early as possible so you’ll know if the assessment can still happen or if it needs to be rescheduled.
Ensure your internet connection is strong and your camera and microphone work. It’s important that your psychologist can see you during the assessment so they can write the most accurate report for you. Please check this before the assessment. You don’t want to lose time or get your assessment canceled due to technology issues.
You’ll need to have a government-issued photo ID handy so your psychologist can verify your identity. Avoid having to run to the other room or your car to get your ID.
The next and most important thing I want to talk about is your mindset going into the assessment. As veterans, we’ve been trained to adapt, overcome, and bottle sh*t in. We’ve been conditioned to maintain the stoic face. That’s not productive for this session. For this assessment, please be as open and honest as possible about your experiences and how you have changed. We all want you to get the rating you deserve. Being open will give your psychologist access to the evidence you need to support your claim.
Stay open and honest – again, this helps you and your psychologist.
Stay on topic- this assessment is all about your service-connected disability and how you are impacted. Listen to your psychologist and answer their questions. I know many veterans like to use this time as a therapy session. While it’s great that you feel comfortable sharing with your psychologist, please stay on topic so that what you share supports the question your psychologist has asked, which is in service of your claim.
Lastly, if you go through your evaluation and decide you want to pursue therapy, feel free to use psychology today to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Other therapy options are available on our resources page.
VA Form Links
