Inside Your First Psych Evaluation for Schizophrenia

About this episode

This episode demystifies the initial psych evaluation process for schizophrenia through a conversation between host Rachel Star Withers and psychologist Dr. Aaron Brinen.

Many people manage symptoms of serious mental illness but hesitate to seek help. Fear, embarrassment, and uncertainty about what actually happens during a psychological assessment can keep someone from taking that crucial first step. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) undergoes an initial psych evaluation with psychologist Dr. Aaron Brinen to show you exactly what the process looks like for someone experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia. Their conversation demystifies the assessment, removes fear from the unknown, and helps you understand what professionals are really looking for. Dr. Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice who uses evidence-based treatments to support people living with serious mental health conditions. He is the co-developer of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and trains clinicians worldwide. Dr. Brinen is also the author of the new book Living Well With Psychosis. Our guest, Dr. Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, where he employs evidence-based treatments to help people recover from serious mental health conditions. He is also Assistant Professor…

People in this episode

Host: Rachel Star Withers

Guest: Dr. Aaron Brinen

Topics covered

• psychological assessment
• schizophrenia
• mental health
• fear of seeking help
• evidence-based treatments

Keywords

• psych evaluation
• schizophrenia
• mental illness
• psychologist
• Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Healthline Media, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Books & works: Living Well With Psychosis

More episodes of Inside Schizophrenia

• How Peer Support Improves Schizophrenia Outcomes · May 20, 2026 · 46 min
• Headlines of Horror: Schizophrenia Portrayals in News Media · April 15, 2026 · 40 min
• What Do I Say? Communication Strategies for Schizophrenia · March 18, 2026 · 51 min
• Bonus: A Personal Interview with Our Host Who Lives with Schizophrenia · March 10, 2026 · 28 min
• Expressing Your Schizophrenia Journey · February 18, 2026 · 49 min
• Redefining Recovery in Schizophrenia · January 21, 2026 · 47 min