The Client 's Cognitive And Social Functioning

A clinical assessment is then conducted for treatment needs. Different treatment plans are made for each client. Individualized treatment plans are used to make referrals and they are updated periodically.”

A psychologist or psychiatrist carries out interviews with the child and family and a review of the child’s past records, behavioural interventions, and developmental history are taken.

Largely, the entire test proved thought provoking as this was a subjective test. Meaning everyone's values are not the same, everyone is not driven by the same motives. This could be problematic in obtaining valid results. It has given this writer cause to carefully examine assessments that are being administered clients. Reliability and validity have a great importance in how counselor should utilize assessments and can assist in finding appropriate instruments in order to be more effective with clients.

Counseling uses two types of assessment to get a better understanding of their clients which are testing and diagnosis. Clients have the privilege to understand the purpose of what an assessment process involves and counselors are responsible to maintain the security test that they use and the proper supervision for the test-taking process (Remley & Herlihy, 2014, p.289). Chapter 11 discusses the dynamics of using psychological tests when assisting to resolve clients’ problems.

This particular mental health intake form contains seven pages of questions concerning the client’s current mental health status and past mental health status, as well as addresses medical history and social environment. The form appears to completely cover the client’s medical and mental health history, as well as gathers pertinent information about the client’s family history. However, there seems to be a lack of questions regarding the client’s environment. For example, there are no questions concerning the client’s living situation.

2. What additional questions should you ask regarding this patient’s chief reason for seeking care?

In this critique, I will examine the mental health multidimensional intake form for clients beginning services at Fairview Counseling Centers in Minneapolis, MN. According to their website, this center encourages clients to have the intake forms completed before their initial intake appointment (2016). There are different forms depending on the client’s age and needs. For this report, I will critique the adult intake form, which is nine pages long.

Does the intake form ask all of the necessary questions to determine what the client’s presenting problem is? I think this form does an adequate asking what the presenting problem is by up front asking what the problems are that the individual is seeking help for and giving the client space to say in their own words what their problem is. I also like that after the open ended question of the presenting problem there is a checklist of symptoms for the client to prompt

The intake form is easy to read and presented in a way that is easy to navigate through. As a client it would be easy enough to go down the list and answer the questions. As a social worker, there may be concern that important questions do not pop out such as suicide idealizations and owning a gun. The question regarding if a client is wanting to harm someone else should also be included in this form for obvious safety

I thought a lot about this assignment. It was important, to me, that I gathered information that would be applicable for the clients I will serve as a social worker. Here in Flagstaff Arizona, we are fortunate to live in a community which celebrates cultural diversity. Flagstaff is home to a large Latino, Diné and Hopi population. I wanted to critique a mental health assessment that I felt would be culturally sensitive, appropriate and address the needs of these populations. Having said that, I analyzed this intake form in terms of its usability for a variety of different cultures and populations. I also aimed to assess the intake form in relation to sexual orientation and issues around gender identity. The hope being that

Elena is an adolescent female, coming to the therapy process demonstrating through actions and words a great deal of anxiety and overall apathy for her situation. Elena is a smart, socially engaged Mexican American attending public high school. She opens the session with presenting problems regarding conflict over what she might do after high school.

Case conceptualization explains the nature of a client’s problem and how they develop such problem ( Hersen, & Porzelius, p.3, 2002) In counseling, assessment is viewed as a systematic gathering of information to address a client’s presenting concerns effectively. The assessment practice provides diagnostic formulation and counseling plans, and aids to identify assets that could help the client cope better with concern that they are current. Assessment is present as a guide for treatment and support in the “evaluation process. Although many methods can be employed to promote a thorough assessment, no one method should be used by itself” (Erford, 2010, p.269-270). Eventually, it is the counselor's job to gain adequate

The mental health intake form I chose from the internet was lacking in multidimensional methodology and lacked significant information about client subsystems. Accordingly, the questions that regarded behavioral functioning did not cover presenting problems thoroughly. Specific questions about coping skills, social skills, and parenting skills were absent. Although, one question was asked regarding the client’s relationship with their children (which could insight into parenting skills), it was too open ended to get any major information. The assessment contained a section on legal history that was also not thorough. The spiritual section lacked crucial information. For instance, it did not ask about supportive relationships (i.e. name of a

Shi'quel has never been employed. Her structured and unstructured recreational activities include being involved in the church and her passion for singing and dance. Shi’quel is an artistic person and she finds enjoyment when she is able to express herself through her abilities. Shi’quel has recently shown greater interest in her positive hobbies as listed above.

It needs to be recognised that every client is individual and there is no guarantee how they will go about the therapeutic process. These stages should only be looked as a guide to some of the steps the client may take.