Psychiatric Evaluation in Florida
A psychiatric evaluation is where treatment starts. You sit down with one of our psychiatric providers, in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video from anywhere in Florida, and talk through what’s been going on. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what’s behind your symptoms and what your options are. If this is your first time with us, see what to expect as a new patient.
We do evaluations for kids from age 6, teens and adults, for concerns like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, sleep problems and substance use. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish.
Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 5, and same-day visits are often possible.
- Same-Day Visits Often Available
- Meet Your Mental Health Provider
- Medication Management & Therapy
Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners |
Ages 6 and up |
Secure video visits in Florida |
Bilingual providers |
Medicare and Medicaid accepted
Feel Better With Personalized Care
Calm your mind
Medication and therapy can ease anxiety and depression so daily life feels manageable again.
Improve focus
ADHD evaluations and treatment plans support better concentration and performance at school or work.
Sleep and balance
From insomnia to bipolar disorder, we help you sleep better and feel steadier.
No Waiting Room Needed
You don’t have to sit in a waiting room to get an evaluation. Most can be done by video in your web browser, with nothing to download, as long as you’re in Florida during the visit. If you’d rather come in, our office is at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Suite C101, Fort Lauderdale.
After the evaluation, we can keep going with medication management, therapy (openings vary), ADHD care or addiction treatment. In-home visits are also available as a private-pay option.
- Available on Weekends
- Insurance Plans Accepted
- Affordable Self-Pay Options
- Sliding-Scale Self-Pay Rates
- Patient-Centered Mental Health Care
- Se Habla Español
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A full look at your mental health
A psychiatric evaluation is a longer first appointment where your provider gets to know you. It isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a conversation about your symptoms, your history and what you want to change.
People book one for all kinds of reasons: they’ve felt down or anxious for weeks, they’re struggling to focus at school or work, a doctor or therapist suggested it, or they want a second opinion on a diagnosis or medication. If something has been getting in the way of daily life, that’s reason enough.
What to Expect
What happens at the visit
1. Paperwork first. Once your appointment is booked, we’ll check your insurance and send intake forms covering your history, medications and current concerns.
2. Talking it through. Your provider will ask about what’s been happening, how long it’s been going on, your medical and family history, and things like sleep, school, work and relationships.
3. A closer look at symptoms. You’ll go over mood, anxiety, focus, sleep and anything else that worries you, and how much it’s affecting your day.
4. A diagnosis, if one fits. Your provider will explain what they think is going on in plain language, and answer your questions.
5. A plan. That may include medication, therapy, lab work, or a mix. Lab orders can go to Quest, Labcorp or any lab your insurance accepts. You’ll leave with a follow-up date.
For kids and teens under 18, a parent or guardian joins the visit.
Video or office visit?
Both work well for an evaluation. Video is easier if you live far from Fort Lauderdale or have a busy schedule. An office visit can feel more comfortable for some people, and it’s required for long-acting injections.
You need to be in Florida during a video visit. If you’re traveling out of state, let us know and we’ll reschedule.
What to bring
Your ID, your insurance card and a list of every medication you take, including the dose. Records from past providers help too, if you have them.
Ready to start? Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online.
Our Provider
Neal Fouke
Physician Assistant - Psychiatric Mental Health
Muhammad Kashif Nawaz
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Heather Brathwaite
Board Certified Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Murtaza Ali
DO, Board Certified Addiction Medicine, Board Certified Family Medicine
Common Questions
Do I need a psychiatric evaluation?
If changes in mood, focus, sleep or behavior have lasted a few weeks and are getting in the way of work, school or relationships, an evaluation is a good next step. You don’t need a referral.
How long does it take?
The first visit is longer than follow-ups. We’ll tell you how much time to set aside when we confirm your appointment.
What happens after the evaluation?
Your provider will go over a plan with you. It may include medication, therapy, lab work or a combination, and you’ll get a follow-up date before you leave.
Can I do my evaluation by video?
Yes, as long as you’re in Florida during the visit. It runs in your web browser.
Can your providers prescribe medication?
Yes. Our psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistant can prescribe when medication is part of your plan.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit.
Do you see kids and speak Spanish?
We see patients from age 6, with a parent or guardian present for anyone under 18. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish.
Care That Continues After the Evaluation
Our team includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, a physician assistant and licensed therapists, led by Dr. Murtaza Ali and Dr. Andrew Rucker. After your evaluation, you can keep seeing the same provider for medication management, and add therapy when a therapist has an opening.
Words from Our Patients
- "I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".
Jenna L 2 months ago
- "I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"
JL Less than 1 month ago
- "Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"
Daniel G 2 weeks ago
Recent Healthcare News
The health of your mind is just as important as the health of your body. Yet a number of factors like education and income can have an impact on mental health, and it’s important that everyone has equal access to mental healthcare in order to fully recover and receive treatment for their problems. Today, We are going to explore some recent news articles on this topic, so that you know all the resources at your disposal!
How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost in Florida? (2026 Guide)
We accept most Insurance as well as sliding scale Cash payment.
We accept many insurance plans as well as affordable sliding scale cash plans. Please call our office for more information. (754) 270-6322
Psychiatric Evaluation Questions
How much does a psychiatric evaluation cost?
With insurance, you usually pay your plan’s specialist copay or coinsurance. We check your benefits before the visit and tell you what to expect. If you’re paying yourself, ask our staff about sliding-scale rates.
Does insurance cover a psychiatric evaluation?
Most plans do. We accept Medicare, Florida Medicaid (including Sunshine Health and Carelon), Tricare, Aetna, Florida Blue, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Humana.
How long is the first visit?
A first evaluation takes longer than a follow-up visit. Our staff will tell you how much time to set aside when they book it.
Will I leave with a diagnosis?
Many people leave with a working diagnosis and a treatment plan. Sometimes your provider needs more information first, such as past records, lab work or a follow-up visit.
Will I get medication at the first visit?
If medication is the right choice, your provider can start or adjust it at the first visit. That decision is made with you after the evaluation, and some medications have extra rules before they can be prescribed.
Can my child have an evaluation?
Yes. We evaluate children from age 6, teens and adults. A parent or guardian joins the visit for patients under 18.
Can I do the evaluation by video?
Yes, from anywhere in Florida. You can also come to our Fort Lauderdale office at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Suite C101.
Serving the Surrounding Communities
We have one office, at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Suite C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Our Miramar office has closed. Patients anywhere in Florida can have their evaluation by video.
See all the areas we serve, including Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.