Mental Health · First Visit
Psychiatric Evaluation in Portsmouth, VA
Prefer to talk first? Call (757) 809-7807,
Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–5 PM.
- TRICARE, Medicare and Medicaid accepted
- Same-week appointments
- Open Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–5 PM
- 4.9 stars from 27 reviews on Tebra
“Dr. Mutia is the only provider who actually listened to me.”
Patient review on Tebra, July 2026
This is an outpatient visit, not emergency care. If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 now; veterans and service members can press 1. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
The Basics
What is a psychiatric evaluation, and do I need one?
A psychiatric evaluation is a first mental health visit where your provider learns about your symptoms, history and goals, then works with you on a diagnosis and a plan. It’s a conversation, not a test you can pass or fail.
- Sadness, emptiness or low mood that has lasted more than two weeks
- Worry or panic that gets in the way of work, family or sleep
- Nightmares, flashbacks or feeling on edge after trauma, including service-related trauma
- Trouble sleeping along with mood changes or racing thoughts
- A medication from another provider that doesn't seem to be working
- Changes in a child's or teen's mood, sleep or behavior
What To Expect
What happens at a psychiatric evaluation?
- You arrive
What's going on now
Your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and how they affect your day.
Your history
Past diagnoses, treatment and medications, your family’s mental health history, and trauma, explored only as far as you’re comfortable.
Your physical health
Sleep, appetite, energy, medical conditions and every medication you take. Dr. Mutia is also a family nurse practitioner, so she looks at how your body and mind affect each other.
- About 60–90 minutes
Alcohol, tobacco and other substances
Asked of everyone, to see whether they could be part of the picture, not to judge you.
Safety questions
Every patient is asked about thoughts of suicide or of harming others. These are routine questions, and answering honestly helps your provider keep you safe.
Your plan, decided together
Your provider explains what they found in plain language, and you choose the next steps together.
Before You Come
What should I bring to my psychiatric evaluation?
- nsurance card and photo ID
- A list of medications, supplements and over-the-counter products, with doses
- Past diagnoses or mental health treatment, if you have them
- A few notes on your symptoms: when they started, how often and what makes them better or worse
- Your questions for the provider
It’s normal to feel nervous. Many patients say booking the visit was the hardest part.
Insurance
Does insurance cover a psychiatric evaluation?
Virginia Medicaid and major commercial plans for psychiatric evaluations in Portsmouth, VA.
Coverage depends on your plan, so the team checks your benefits before your first visit.
TRICARE
TRICARE East, TRICARE For Life and the US Family Health Plan
Medicare
Part B covers a psychiatric evaluation, including with a nurse practitioner. After the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Medicare Advantage & commercial
Including AARP-UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia
Virginia Medicaid
Cardinal Care, including Aetna Better Health of Virginia
No insurance
Self-pay is available. You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of your costs before your visit.
Referrals
Do I need a referral for a psychiatric evaluation?
It’s normal to feel nervous. Many patients say booking the visit was the hardest part.
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All plans at a glance
| All plans | Referral needed? |
|---|---|
TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life |
No, for outpatient mental health visits (except psychoanalysis and substance use disorder therapy) |
TRICARE Prime: family members and retirees |
No referral or pre-authorization for outpatient mental health visits, with the same exceptions |
US Family Health Plan |
No, for outpatient visits, with the same exceptions |
Active duty service members |
Yes: a referral and pre-authorization to see a civilian provider. Ask your primary care manager first |
Medicare Part B |
No |
Virginia Medicaid and commercial plans |
Depends on your plan. Call (757) 809-7807 and we’ll check |
No insurance |
No |
Access
Where can I get a psychiatric evaluation this week in Portsmouth, Virginia?
Your Provider
Who does the psychiatric evaluation?
- Credentials: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
- Experience: 12 years practicing, per her Tebra profile
- What she can do: diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy and prescribe medication. Virginia nurse practitioners have prescriptive authority set by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
- Patient reviews: 4.9 stars from 27 reviews on Tebra (as of 2026-09-30)
It’s normal to feel nervous. Many patients say booking the visit was the hardest part.
Next Steps
What happens after my psychiatric evaluation?
What you get out of it
An explanation of what's going on
A plan you helped choose
An explanation of what's going on
An explanation of what's going on
An explanation of what's going on
An explanation of what's going on
Get answers this week.
Questions first? Call (757) 809-7807
“She is a great listener and crafted a personalized care plan specific to my needs and goals.”
Patient review on Tebra, December 2025
FAQ
Psychiatric Evaluation Questions, Answered
How long does a psychiatric evaluation take?
A psychiatric evaluation at Paramount Health and Wellness usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. That gives your provider time to understand your symptoms, history, physical health and goals, and to plan next steps with you. Follow-up visits are shorter, usually 30 to 45 minutes, in person in Portsmouth or by telehealth.
Will I get a diagnosis at my first psychiatric evaluation?
If the picture is clear, yes: your provider explains the diagnosis and what it means at the end of your first visit. Sometimes it takes another visit or two to be sure, especially when symptoms overlap or physical health may play a part. Either way, you leave knowing what’s being checked and what happens next.
Will I be prescribed medication at my psychiatric evaluation?
Not necessarily. Medication is one option, not a requirement. After your evaluation, you and your provider decide together whether therapy, medication, lifestyle changes or a combination fits you. Paramount Health and Wellness can’t promise a specific medication before your evaluation, and nothing is started without your agreement.
Do I have to answer every question at a psychiatric evaluation?
No. There are no wrong answers, and you can say you’re not ready to talk about something. Every patient is asked about alcohol and drug use and about thoughts of suicide or harming others. These are routine safety questions, not a judgment, and honest answers help your provider make the right plan with you.
Is a psychiatric nurse practitioner the same as a psychiatrist?
No, but both can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor; a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse with specialty training and board certification in psychiatric care. At Paramount Health and Wellness, Dr. Mutia is also a family nurse practitioner, so she considers your physical health too.
Can I get a psychiatric evaluation by telehealth?
Yes, if you’re in Virginia when the visit takes place. Paramount Health and Wellness offers secure video visits for new and returning patients anywhere in the state. You’ll need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera and a private space. In-person evaluations are available Monday through Saturday at the Portsmouth clinic on Academy Avenue.
Can my child or teen get a psychiatric evaluation?
Yes. Paramount Health and Wellness sees children, teens and adults. Parents often book an evaluation for anxiety, low mood, sleep problems or changes in behavior at home or school. Same-week appointments are available Monday through Saturday, so a visit can fit around the school week. Call (757) 809-7807 to book your child’s evaluation.
Is my psychiatric evaluation confidential?
Yes. Your evaluation is private health information and is shared only as the law allows or with your permission. For active duty service members, Department of Defense Instruction 6490.08 limits when a commander is told about mental health care to specific safety and duty situations. If you’re worried about who can see your information, ask at your visit.
How much does a psychiatric evaluation cost?
With insurance, you usually pay your plan’s copay or coinsurance. With Medicare Part B, that’s typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible. Paramount Health and Wellness checks your benefits before your first visit. Without insurance, call (757) 809-7807 for the current self-pay rate and ask for a Good Faith Estimate.
What should I do in a mental health crisis?
Call or text 988, the free and confidential Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, open 24/7. Veterans and service members can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Paramount Health and Wellness is an outpatient clinic and doesn’t provide emergency care.
References
- TRICARE, “Mental Health Appointments,” Defense Health Agency: tricare.mil
- TRICARE, “TRICARE For Life,” Defense Health Agency: tricare.mil
- Medicare.gov, “Mental health care (outpatient),” CMS: medicare.gov
- CMS, “Good faith estimate,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: cms.gov
- Virginia Cardinal Care Managed Care, Virginia DMAS: virginiamanagedcare.com
- Virginia DMAS, “Cardinal Care Managed Care” (members): dmas.virginia.gov