Does a general practice perform mental health assessment?

The clinician may ask about mood, anxiety, sleep, concentration, appetite, energy, alcohol or drug use, physical symptoms and how you are managing at home, work or school. They may also review medicines and physical conditions that can affect how you feel. An assessment is a conversation, not a judgement, and you can explain what feels difficult in your own words. The outcome may include self-care guidance, talking therapy, medicine, follow-up or referral to a mental health professional.

Write down when the concern began, what makes it better or worse and how it affects daily activities. Bring your medicine list and, if comfortable, ask someone you trust to attend or help you describe changes. Be open about thoughts of self-harm, unusual experiences, severe worry or substance use; these details help the clinician choose a safe next step. A single appointment may be followed by monitoring rather than an immediate diagnosis.

Get urgent help if you may harm yourself or someone else, cannot stay safe, are severely confused, hear commands to act, or have not slept and feel unusually energised or out of control. If possible, stay with a trusted person and use local emergency services. Do not wait for a routine appointment when immediate safety is at risk.

Ask what your symptoms may indicate, what support is available locally, how follow-up will work, what to do in a crisis and whether physical checks or referral are appropriate.