What to Expect at Your Mental Consultative Exam for Disability Benefits
If you've applied for Social Security Disability benefits based on a mental health condition, you may be required to attend a mental consultative examination. This is an evaluation scheduled and paid for by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to gather more information about your mental health and how it affects your ability to work.
Knowing what to expect at a consultative exam can help you prepare and make the most of this important appointment. Here's a quick run-down of the mental health evaluation process:
The Basics
The exam will be conducted by an independent, licensed mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist. This won't be your doctor.
It typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, but could be longer.
The doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, mental health symptoms, daily functioning, and medications.
You'll also be given a mental status evaluation assessing things like mood, behavior, thought process, etc.
What They're Looking For The doctor is trying to determine how your mental health conditions limit your ability to perform work and daily activities. They will assess:
Your capacity to understand, remember and follow instructions.
Ability to interact appropriately with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
Concentration, persistence and pace completing tasks.
Adaptation skills, like responding to criticism and changes in work settings.
Answering Questions Be honest and don't downplay your symptoms. Give specific examples of how your mental illness affects your functioning and prevents you from working. Detail any side effects from medications that impact concentration, energy, etc.
Provide Documentation Bring copies of relevant medical records, prior evaluations, lists of medications and any assessments of your mental limitations. This provides key documentation to support your case.
Seeking Disability The doctor isn't there to treat you or provide therapy. Their role is to give the SSA an objective opinion on whether your mental illness prevents you from working and qualifies you for benefits. Being open helps them fully understand your situation.
Preparing for your consultative examination takes some of the stress out of this process. You need to demonstrate how your mental health truly impacts your life. With the right approach, this exam can help advance your disability claim and get you the benefits you deserve.
