Psychiatric history refers to the documentation of a patient's mental health condition and treatments. Often, this history plays an important role in properly diagnosing and treating a patient. Synonyms for this phrase include mental health history, past psychiatric treatment, psychological record, and behavioral health background. Other terms that may be used interchangeably include psychiatric evaluation, psychological assessment, and mental health evaluation. Regardless of the specific term used, a thorough psychiatric history can provide critical insight into a patient's needs and help medical professionals develop more effective treatment plans.