Cases in which an urgent psychiatric evaluation is required include self-harm and suicidal ideation. Initial Risk Assessment should be followed up by a Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment.
Urgent cases will be accepted when possible, based on cancellations or appointments that become vacant for other reasons. Urgent assessment is only intended for cases where there is a question of a suicidal risk. Dr. Olga Kovalchuk does not make home visits. An initial assessment of a child or teenager will usually be carried out in a clinic setting.
An urgent assessment will be carried out in a meeting lasting an hour and a quarter. For an urgent extension, children and teenagers come to Dr. Kovalchuk's clinic with both parents. In cases where the parents are divorced and one parent is not present, he/she is obliged to bring a signed authorization to the doctor for the examination of the child. Dr. Kovalchuk And try to complete the assessment at this time, but it may be necessary, especially if your child's condition is complex, to return on another day in order to complete all the information necessary to arrive at a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for the minor Dr. Kovalchuk does not maintain a waiting list and tries to see all children and adolescents who apply as soon as possible. In rare cases where inpatient treatment is necessary, this will be fully discussed with parents and minors. Unfortunately, Dr. Kovalchuk cannot offer emergency care or Treatment outside of working hours.
Possible reasons for referral
Your child has expressed suicidal thoughts
Such a case requires immediate intervention that will include an examination by a doctor in a hospital emergency room. Do not delay the examination until the available time at the clinic unless there are immediate inquiries.
It was revealed to us that your child hurts himself/herself
The case requires immediate attention, as in the case of suicidal thoughts
A risk assessment does not constitute a complete psychiatric diagnosis. Risk assessment should be followed by the comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
Can a risk assessment replace a comprehensive psychiatric assessment?
If your child has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist and is taking medication but you are interested in consulting with Dr. Kovalchuk in order to get a second opinion, you should schedule a full psychiatric assessment.
Urgent risk assessment is suitable only when it is suspected that your child may harm him/herself - for example if your child has threatened to harm himself/herself. Risk assessment is usually conducted in order to assess whether an immediate intervention (such as hospitalization) is required or the child can return to his/her routine with appropriate treatment. In most of the cases a risk assessment should be followed by a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
You believe that your child has to see a psychiatrist but his/her psychiatrist is not available for any reason or you would like to get a second opinion . Wouldn't it be enough to schedule an appointment just for one meeting?
Frequently asked questions
Immediate intervention