Mental Status Assessment

INITIAL INTERVIEW 2

Intake Report for George Wesley

David Evans

School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University

Identifying Information

· George Wesley

· 1234 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825

· 1 (252) 867-3294

· January 10, 1977

· Male

· Divorced

· Firefighter/Pastor

· California Department of Fire Emergency Services

· No work phone recorded

· Esther Nadene Wesley (daughter)

· August 30, 2022

Reason for Referral

George W. Wesley was referred by Bishop Boyd. Bishop Boyd presides over the Northern Virginia Baptist Convention. Bishop Boyd is considering Pastor George for a position leading a large city congregation. Bishop Boyd believes this evaluation will aid in determining whether George is a good fit for the Senior Pastor job of a large city church. George has never presided over a congregation of more than 200 persons. All of his pastoral roles were in smaller congregations with congregants over age fifty. These villages were mostly in rural areas. George reported having no prior experience with millennials.

Current Situation and Functioning

George is well-dressed and groomed, and has a lean, athletic build. Throughout the interview, he kept eye contact and articulated ideas well. However, he had moments where he appeared fearful about his lack of experience to lead an assembly of that magnitude. He admitted to being concerned about the interview because it could jeopardize his opportunity to move into the new role. In other moments during the interview, George spoke candidly with confidence the interview. He considered himself an experienced pastor and had the knowledge and training to back it up. George was attentive to all interview questions and responded astutely.

He denies having any difficulties in his daily life. He constantly tapped his leg and asked if he could switch on the ceiling fan. Although he frequently devotes his free time to church activities, his long working hours allow him to hide his anxieties and avoid church concerns. George sees this as a major weakness and knows he needs to “work on it.” When he gets stressed, he talks to his mother. He considers being able to quickly recognize his stress triggers a strength. He loves reading, which helps him when he cannot sleep on holiday nights.

Relevant Medical History

George appears to be in good health with the exception to the discoloration of the eyes. His doctor recommended that he take a multivitamin, during his most recent check-up. The doctor reported that George’s Prostate-specific Antigen, cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, kidney, and liver all show healthy functionality or fell within healthy limits. George was nervous about the stress test, but it also yielded favorable results.

George was hospitalized in 2017 after going unconscious and falling from a ladder during training. During this incident, he tore his meniscus (left knee). He denies losing consciousness and being hospitalized. He has no other medical issues. He has a sister who suffers with diabetes, which he believes is due to obesity. All other siblings are otherwise healthy.

Psychiatric Treatment History

George denies that his family has a history of mental illness. He has been diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) twice. Both instances were tied to traumatic work experiences. He believed he could have saved the children if he had driven faster or busted down the door. He has completed all employer mandated individual and group treatments. George also received 30 days of paid leave for each event. He underwent treatment for six months, the most recent being two years ago. George was prescribed lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety and zolpidem (Ambien) to help him sleep two years ago. He is faithful taking his multivitamin but refuses to take any prescribed medication. George reported no psychiatric or substance abuse challenges with any of his siblings or immediate relatives.

Family History

George's mother lives in Central California near his brothers. George's mother was a nurse. His father was murdered when he was 11 years old. His father was a police officer killed in action. George’s mother is 78 years old. His maternal grandparents are alive and well. They are 98 (grandfather) and 94 (grandmother) years of age respectively. At 99 years old, George’s paternal grandfather is still alive as well. His maternal grandmother has previously passed away. He has three sisters who are 50, 53 and 55 years old. Brothers aged 58 and 56. George is the youngest.

Both of his grandfathers were ministers. His mother's father was the pastor of the largest church in Youngsville, LA. As a child, he remembers how kind and loving they were and how they never lost their cool. His grandmother was very patient and a good cook. For as long as George can remember, his Sunday lunch was at his grandparents' house. His mother's family reunites twice a year, and his father's family once. He never misses his family events. George’s most memorable childhood experience was helping on a farm. He liked to pick green beans and tomatoes. George hated it when his grandmother sent him to get eggs.

Social Development and History

George sees himself as an introvert who adapts to the needs of those around him. He prefers to stay home alone. George attributes this to the fact that he is always among people. He shared his bedroom with his brother until he went off to college. He loves the Lord and finds refuge through salvation in Christ. He finds peace reading the Bible and listening to Christian music. He lacks a social life and feels that this affects him a lot; he often works extra shifts as a distraction. George’s work as a Fire Chief requires him to be on shift for 24-hours a day for several consecutive days. George’s last relationship was mentally draining, and he currently has no desire to date. He dated a selfish woman, and he feels God revealed to him the woman's selfish character over time. George believes she did not understand her role as a First Lady and was unwilling to take on the virtue of being a Christian woman. George still co-parents with his ex-wife raising their daughter who is currently a junior in college.

Education and Occupational History

George graduated from high school at the age of 16. He was a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), United States Army. Although he participated and competed in the JROCT All 3 years of high school, George decided not to join the military. George discovered a sudden interest in becoming a Firefighter instead. George’s mom encouraged him to attend college before applying for firefighting jobs. George decided to attend a junior firefighting program offered by the county during his junior year of college. He received all the training necessary to become a volunteer firefighter. He holds a BA in Fire Science with a minor in Biblical Studies from Central North Carolina University. He earned a master's degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He earned a doctoral degree in theology from the Baptist Bible College.

After being hired in 2003, he received additional training from his current job. His on-the-job training included training as a paramedic. George passed his paramedic certification exam in 2007. That license is current. During his 19 years, he served with the District of Columbia's Fire and Emergency Services. As Fire Chief, George oversees and directs the duties of the 32 men and women assigned to their assigned fire department. He is responsible for the safety of all assigned employees during his shift. George is a highly decorated firefighter and an excellent fire captain and always gets good performance reviews. The only occupational injuries he claims are the case of his torn meniscus and the acute stress injury, resulting in two separate medical leave statuses.

Cultural Influences

George’s Haitian heritage could cause a grading challenge. To establish which culture he most closely identifies with, an acculturation test maybe necessary. George was raised with a heavy cultural influence that was not indicative of his own. His parents were Haitian, but he was raised in a rural African American community. His primary language is French Creole. However, he also speaks English fluently. These facts may need further consideration and possible testing for validation, as client behavior is a crucial part of determining if any further assessments/testing is necessary.