Discussion - Data Collection

When collecting information about a client, certain factors such as gender and marital status can be easy to come by; however, other factors to consider may not be so obvious yet may be as or more important. Therefore, you want to collect as much data during assessment as possible. Factors such as the client's ethnicity and culture can be very important in making an accurate diagnosis. In this Discussion, you will reflect on the importance of obtaining information on a client's background and consider how that information may inform a diagnosis and assessment.

To prepare:

• Review this week's Learning Resources.
• Focus on the case study of "Andrea C." on pages 125-127 of Abnormal Psychology.
• Think about how a client's gender, culture (including the culture of physical disabilities), ethnicity, family (or lack thereof), and possible religious background may help you form a more complete case conceptualization.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post an analysis of the cultural factors and related social and familial issues that you consider important in making a culturally sensitive diagnosis of "Andrea C.", and an explanation of their impact on the assessment and diagnosis.

Application: Assessment of "Zell Kravinsky"

As clients begin to offer information about themselves and their reasons for seeking professional assistance, or as forensic referrals provide you with information, you must ask yourself, "What information is necessary to get a full picture of this client's issues and circumstances?" The data you collect during assessment will be crucial to your diagnosis and treatment of the client or in answering forensic referral questions. Clinical assessment begins at the start of the therapeutic relationship and must be a continuous and vital part of the relationship, as it offers guidance and direction in the application of clinical services when the purpose is to provide treatment. Clinical assessment is also the foundation for answering forensic mental health referral questions.

To prepare:

• Review the case study for "Zell Kravinsky" on page 6 of Abnormal Psychology.
• Consider the types of data and their relevance to an assessment.

The Assignment: (1-2 pages)

• Identify what information would be important to collect during the initial assessment process to make a diagnosis and why.
• Explain what methods you would use to collect the data or make ongoing assessment.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

Attachment:- Assignment.rar