A diagnostic assessment is a process of gathering information about a person within a psychiatric service, with the purpose of making a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation may be needed to diagnose emotional and behavioral disorders. Each evaluation is different, as each person’s symptoms and behaviors are different. The assessment includes social and biographical information, direct observations, and data from specific psychological tests. During this initial appointment, patients are provided with all the medical and psychological information necessary to allow them to make their own informed medical decisions regarding treatment options, such as psychotropic medication and/or psychotherapy.