Mental Health Assessment Paper

Words: 1416
Pages: 6

Abstract This paper discusses the development of an assessment and evaluation protocol for counseling in an outpatient setting, focusing on therapy services for depression and anxiety in adolescents and young adults. The selected setting provides individual therapy sessions to clients seeking support for mental health challenges. The paper outlines the types of assessments used, planning methods, risk assessment procedures, statistical concepts, ethical and culturally relevant strategies, and administration processes. A video recording is included to demonstrate the discussion of assessment results with a peer.

Setting The selected counseling setting is a warm and welcoming outpatient facility that provides high-quality therapy services for
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Both standardized and non-standardized assessments are employed to assess clients' symptoms, functioning, and progress in treatment. Two specific assessments chosen for this setting are the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). These assessments are crucial in diagnosing depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as monitoring the response to treatment. The BDI-II and GAD-7 also offer valuable insights into clients' academic/educational, career, personal, and social development. This information is essential in creating comprehensive treatment plans and intervention strategies that address all aspects of the client's life. The use of these assessments is not only relevant for diagnostic purposes, but also for implementing effective treatment interventions. By understanding the client's level of depression and anxiety, counselors can tailor their approach to therapy to target specific areas of concern. Additionally, by evaluating the client's overall functioning and progress in treatment, counselors can adjust as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes for the client. Planning When considering a client's academic/educational, career, personal, and social development, it is important to understand how these factors may …show more content…
This includes offering assessments in multiple languages, providing interpreters when needed, and considering cultural norms and values when interpreting results. Ethically, we are committed to obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and honoring clients' autonomy throughout the assessment process. This involves clearly explaining the purpose and potential outcomes of the assessment, obtaining voluntary agreement from clients, and safeguarding their personal information in compliance with legal and ethical standards. By integrating culturally relevant strategies and ethical considerations into our evaluation plan, we aim to ensure that our assessments are attuned to the cultural nuances of our young adult clients experiencing anxiety and depression, while also reducing the risk of