Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Clinical Social Work

About this video

• Video Title: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Clinical Social Work
• Channel: George Jacinto
• Speakers: Dr. George Jento
• Duration: 00:24:05

Overview

This video provides a comprehensive guide to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning in clinical social work. It outlines a systematic approach, emphasizing the importance of building rapport, gathering client information through various assessment tools, and making accurate diagnoses using the DSM and ICD-10 codes. The video also details the process of developing treatment plans, considering client needs, and utilizing frameworks like Maslow's hierarchy to ensure effective interventions.

Key takeaways

• Building Rapport: Establishing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment is crucial for effective client interaction and information gathering. The "WELCOME" approach (Welcoming, Engaging, Listening, Communicating, Observing, Merging, Exploring) is presented as a method for building rapport.
• Assessment Process: This involves collecting and analyzing data from various sources (referrals, past records, client interviews) to understand the client's biological, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. The strengths and person-in-environment perspectives are emphasized.
• Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis requires a clear rationale, supported by specific criteria from the DSM. Differential diagnosis is important for resolving uncertainty when symptoms align with multiple potential disorders. The use of ICD-10 CM codes is necessary for billing.
• Treatment Planning: Treatment should only commence after a diagnosis is established. Plans should include SMART goals and objectives, with client involvement and consideration for their immediate needs (e.g., safety, shelter) as per Maslow's hierarchy, before addressing higher-level psychological or social goals.
• Deliberate Practice: This refers to the therapist's preparation between sessions to improve skills, address client needs, and plan future interventions, as proposed by Dr. Scott Miller.