Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

20 p.

Publication Date

3-2011

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Source Publication

Journal of Psychotherapy Integration

Source ISSN

1053-0479

Abstract

Psychotherapists’ approach to intake assessment has a major impact on mental health case conceptualization and treatment. Despite the importance of this issue, very little is known about the actual intake assessment practices of therapists providing mental health care in the community. This appears to be the first study that has investigated which aspects of biological, psychological, and sociocultural functioning are documented by therapists in their client intake assessments, how thoroughly these issues are assessed, and how well the information collected is then integrated into the assessment findings and case conceptualization. The examination of 163 client files from 3 mental health clinics found that therapists were regularly collecting client information regarding a wide range of biopsychosocial issues, though not in a detailed or comprehensive manner. There was also little evidence that the information was being integrated in a manner designed to maximize treatment effectiveness. These findings have major implications for training and practice in mental health assessment.

Comments

Post-print. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, Volume 21, No. 1 (March 2011), DOI.

This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record.

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