Assessment and Diagnosis

In your initial post, compare the assessments typically used by clinical and counseling psychologists, and explain which assessment techniques (e.g., tests, surveys, interviews, client records, observational data) you might use to aid in your diagnosis of your selected  client. Describe any additional information you would need to help formulate your diagnosis and propose specific questions you might ask the client in order to obtain this information from him or her. Identify which theoretical orientation you would use with this client and explain how this orientation might influence the assessment and/or diagnostic process. Using the DSM-5 manual, propose a diagnosis for the client in the chosen case study.

Analyze the case and your agency’s required timeline for diagnosing from an ethical perspective. Considering the amount of information you currently have for your client, explain whether or not it is ethical to render a diagnosis within the required timeframe. Evaluate the case and describe whether or not it is justifiable in this situation to render a diagnosis in order to obtain a third party payment.

Chosen Case Study

Charles is a 33-year-old African American male seeking treatment due to suicidal ideation. He is currently going through divorce proceedings and reports feeling agitated, angry, sad, and stressed most days. He is concerned that his relationship issues have begun to impact his responsibilities at work and fears losing his job. Charles is open to seeking treatment, but his insurance provider is out-of-network. His insurance company is willing to reimburse him for up to 8 sessions if an acceptable diagnosis is submitted. What diagnosis would you give Charles?