Psychiatric Laboratory Testing in Arlington TX and Statewide
Supporting Mental Health Care with Lab-Based Precision
At Ultimate Mind and Wellness Center, laboratory testing plays a key role in our evidence-based approach to psychiatry. Blood work and other diagnostic labs help us monitor medication safety, evaluate biological contributors to symptoms, and ensure patients receive the most effective treatment possible.
Lab testing is available to all patients receiving psychiatric care through our clinic, whether in-person at our Arlington location or remotely via telehealth across Texas. We coordinate with local labs to make the process convenient and confidential.
Why Lab Testing Matters in Psychiatry
Psychiatric symptoms may have underlying medical causes—or may be affected by medications, hormones, or nutritional deficiencies. Laboratory testing gives us insight into factors that may not be visible in an interview alone.
We use lab testing to:
Monitor levels of psychiatric medications (e.g., lithium, valproate, SSRIs)
Check liver and kidney function before and during treatment
Rule out thyroid or hormonal conditions mimicking mental illness
Screen for vitamin deficiencies linked to mood or cognition
Detect possible substance use or medication interactions
Guide safe dosing of long-term prescriptions
Types of Lab Tests We May Order
Lab panels are selected based on your diagnosis, current medications, and overall health. These may include:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Evaluates liver, kidney, and electrolyte function
Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T3, T4): Identifies thyroid conditions that can mimic mood disorders
CBC (Complete Blood Count): Screens for anemia or infection
Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels: Assesses nutritional contributors to fatigue and cognitive changes
Drug Screening (with consent): Helps clarify symptoms or guide treatment planning
Serum Medication Levels: Ensures therapeutic but safe concentrations for drugs like lithium, Depakote, and others
How the Process Works
Provider Recommendation:
Your clinician will explain which labs are recommended and why.
Coordination:
We send lab orders to a location near you or provide a printout for your convenience.
Sample Collection:
Blood draws are performed at a nearby lab facility (e.g., LabCorp, Quest) or through your primary care provider if preferred.
Result Review:
Once results are available, your provider will review them with you during your next appointment and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
You do not need to return to our clinic for labs—we coordinate everything to fit your schedule and location.
Lab Testing and Telepsychiatry
Even if you receive care entirely through telehealth, lab testing remains a key part of our care model. We work with patients across Texas to:
Send electronic lab orders to your local testing site
Receive results securely and quickly
Review findings during your virtual follow-up
Monitor medications that require regular labs for safety
Make treatment decisions informed by real data
Remote care doesn't mean limited care—we maintain full clinical standards regardless of location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to come into your clinic for lab testing?
No. We send lab orders to a facility near you. Testing is done externally, and results are sent back to us for review.
Will insurance cover the lab work?
Most insurance plans cover psychiatric lab testing, especially when related to medication monitoring or diagnostic clarification. Our team will help verify coverage when possible.
How often will I need labs?
This depends on your diagnosis and medication plan. Some medications require labs every few months, while others may only require testing once a year or less.
What if I can’t get to a lab?
We’ll work with you to identify alternative testing locations or coordinate with your primary care provider. In select cases, home collection may be available through third-party labs.
