psychological assessments and clin diagnosis

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Grand Canyon University *

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Arts Humanities

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May 8, 2024

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Psychological Testing and Clinical Diagnosis Georgia J O’Neal College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University Assessment, Tests, and Measurements Professor Victoria Evans-Fulton May 8, 2024
Psychological Testing and Clinical Diagnosis Everyday people are faced with obstacles that can significantly impact their mental health. Over someone’s lifetime, they may incur events or experiences that cause trauma to them. These types of events include accidents, natural disasters, war, domestic violence, imprisonment, violence, sexual assaults, and many others. These events impact some so much they develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. Which in any diagnosis have specific definitions of the disorder based on the DSM; tools for utilization, psychological tests, valid and reliable measures; and potential personality assessments. When the understanding, tools, and resources are utilized properly a client can be diagnosed properly and effectively form a treatment plan. Resources to Assist Counselors Counselors can and should utilize as many resources as possible; especially when it can benefit their client or potential clients. Resources can include but are not limited to; the DSM-5, Code of Ethics, American Counseling Associations, state guidelines, and other counselors. Utilization of resources leads the counselors and clients in the right direction (APA, 2018). DSM-5 The DSM-5 or the most updated manual at the time of intake should be utilized from beginning to end of treatment. This provides counselors with the information necessary to evaluate clients based on their signs and symptoms they are facing. For instance, if a counselor believes the individual is suffering from anxiety; it will outline anxiety, indicate the signs and symptoms, and explain methods of measurement based on what is needed (APA, 2018). Guidelines and Regulations Guidelines and regulations set forth from the Code of Ethics, American Counseling Association, and state guidelines are to be considered significant resources due to the substantial
amount of impact they have on the counseling field. The American Counseling Association (2014) has scholarly journals, articles, and books that offer insight based on research. This research can display benefits to choosing one form of treatment over another. Additionally, it provides training which may be a state requirement for licensed mental health counselors. The training and assessments provided can be utilized by the counselor to further their education and gain more experience with specific assessments. Moreover, the Code of Ethics (2014) provides guidelines for all counselors to follow. For instance, a counselor must be trained and practiced. Counselors Other counselors are also not just a resource to use when needing assistance but to gain insight and further knowledge. As discussed, it is important to abide by the Code of Ethics (2014). Therefore, the best person to learn from is another counselor who is trained specifically in assessment. Working with another counselor who is familiar with the assessment also allows training counselors to be less biased, more objective, and increase inception. Important Diagnostic Factors for Consideration There are many different assessments and tests that have the same result of what an individual receives as a diagnosis. When considering the options, the counselor must think about the client they are working with. Therefore, there are considerations that may come up when determining which test or assessment is appropriate for the client. First, if the test is reliable. Meaning, can the assessment be deemed appropriate based on it being repeated multiple times and still have the same or similar results? Therefore, the counselor should determine if the test typically shows consistent processes, stable results, and similar set ups then it can be deemed reliable (Institute of Medicine, 2015). Moreover, the next factor is whether it is valid or not. Overall, can the data collected reflect what was being mirrored or monitored; meaning their
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