There are many ways to conceptualize the mental health, relationship, and life-adjustment problems with which people struggle. Increasingly, American society (and other societies) tends to "pathologize" troublesome or problematic behaviors, many times us

There are many ways to conceptualize the mental health, relationship, and life-adjustment problems with which people struggle.  Increasingly, American society (and other societies) tends to "pathologize" troublesome or problematic behaviors, many times using a "medical model" view, per DSM-V diagnostic criteria.  This is one way to look at problem issues, but perhaps it is not the only way (or most useful way) to conceptualize problem issues.

Whether viewing a problem behavior as "sick," "bad," immature," "sinful" or through some other conceptual lens, please share your thoughts on the social/cultural/political aspects of psychological assessment and diagnosis.  What is the most useful and helpful way to "assess" a client in order to best help them accomplish therapeutic goals.

4 paragraph respond and at least 1 source