Comprehensive Evaluation

Each initial visit will consist of a comprehensive evaluation where a broad array of topics will be covered such as past psychiatric treatments, medical history, current medications, family history, substance abuse history and developmental history. This is because many factors - genetics and biology, personality, relationships and life experiences - interact to lead to the current presentation. With your consent, Dr. Malik may interview family members, significant others, friends, and or prior providers, including but not limited to psychiatrists, therapists and primary care physicians, as indicated, to gain a better understanding of the issues at hand.

The initial evaluation may take several meetings depending on the complexity of your case. At the end of the evaluation, Dr. Malik will present his assessment of the problem including diagnosis, prognosis, as well as recommendations. He will then work with you to develop a treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns.

KINDLY NOTE: Please complete the history questionnaire, and symptom inventory as fully and accurately as you can and email, mail or fax them to our office before your appointment. This way you will save both time and expense. You are requested to answer these routine questions on your own time instead of using up your actual consulting time. It is understandable that you might be concerned about what happens to the actual information, because much of this is highly personal. Please be assured case records are strictly confidential, and only Dr. Malik has access to them. If you do not desire to answer any question, merely write, “Do not care to answer.” Please complete the new patient demographics, read and sign the privacy policy, and payment agreement. It is recommended that you xerox these forms before mailing or faxing them back to the office. Kindly bring the xerox copies with you to the appointment. Please send all correspondence to the business address. If you do not get a chance to complete this paperwork before your appointment, please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time so that you may do so.

If a physician or therapist has treated you, it would be very helpful if you would ask them to send a copy of records to me, or otherwise communicate with me, before our consultation. Please send release forms to any physicians or hospitals who can provide further information concerning your past medical treatment. Also, call them directly since obtaining this information is often a slow process and they might also need you to fill out their release forms.

The information obtained from these questionnaires and records will be kept in strict confidence. Reviewing the material you send Dr. Malik will take 10-15 minutes at the beginning of your appointment, with the time remaining for discussion.