Assessment and Diagnosis of the Psychiatric Patient

Whether you are treating patients for physical ailments or clients for mental health issues, the assessment process is an inextricable part of health care. To properly diagnose clients and develop treatment plans, you must have a strong foundation in assessment. This includes a working knowledge of assessments that are available to aid in the diagnosis, how to use these assessments, and how to select the most appropriate assessment based on a client’s presentation.  

This week, as you explore the assessment and diagnosis of patients in mental health settings, you examine assessment tools, including their psychometric properties and appropriate uses.