# What happens in a mental health assessment?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-is-a-mental-health-assessment
For: Patients | Mental health care | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** A mental health assessment is a structured conversation with a qualified professional to understand your concerns, symptoms, strengths, daily functioning, physical health, medicines, substance use, social situation and safety. It may include an interview, questionnaires, observation and, with your consent, information from family or other professionals. The aim is to agree on next steps. An assessment does not always produce a diagnosis straight away.

### What is explored

- Your main concerns, when they began and what makes them better or worse.
- Sleep, relationships, work or school, and self-care.
- Physical health, medicines, substance use and previous care.
- Culture, past trauma, current supports, strengths and safety.

### More than a questionnaire

Questionnaires can support an assessment but do not replace clinical judgement. Family may be involved with your consent or under applicable child and safety rules. How long it takes depends on complexity and urgency, and conclusions may be revised as new information emerges. Findings should be explained in plain language and may lead to education, therapy, medical review, referral, monitoring or urgent support.

> **Important:** Online tools cannot replace a professional assessment, especially when diagnosis or safety is uncertain.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

## Related questions

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- [Can alcohol, cannabis or other drugs cause mental health problems?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-alcohol-cannabis-or-other-drugs-cause-mental-health-problems)

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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