Assessments Part 1

Assessments are very important to patient care, but frequently overlooked by mental health therapists.
Mental health therapists are getting closer to the medical model all the time.
1. Case History, Case History, Case History!
2. Assessments
4. Treatment Plan
5. Treatment
6. Re-evaluation
How do therapists measure up?
1. Do a good job on getting a case history – usually takes the whole first visit
2. No assessment
3. Diagnosis given after the patient goes home the first day
4. Develop treatment plan
5. Treat patient
6. No re-assessment
Mental health therapists are getting closer to the medical model all the time.
- The DSM-5 got rid of the multi-axial system
- Got rid of GAF – too subjective
- Mental health parity in ObamaCare makes you a first-class professional, not an ancillary service.
1. Case History, Case History, Case History!
2. Assessments
- MD sends patients for MRIs, CAT scans, and blood work
- Chiropractor sends patients for X-rays, orthopedic testing, and neurological testing
- Ophthalmologist performs vision tests
4. Treatment Plan
5. Treatment
6. Re-evaluation
How do therapists measure up?
1. Do a good job on getting a case history – usually takes the whole first visit
2. No assessment
3. Diagnosis given after the patient goes home the first day
4. Develop treatment plan
5. Treat patient
6. No re-assessment
Assessments are not only for psychologists!
Pearson Clinical Assessments is the biggest. They offer two main databases:
- Dr. David Kats, D.C.
- Every therapist should do assessments – not just psychologists! One reason master’s-level therapists don’t use assessments is because insurance doesn’t pay for it. Here’s what you need to realize:
- Insurance patients are willing to pay out of pocket for assessments!
- Whether you’re doctor’s level or master’s level, you need to think about which assessments you can do.
- Assessments help you understand the patient better, get a better diagnosis, and treat patients better.
Pearson Clinical Assessments is the biggest. They offer two main databases:
- QLocal costs $89. They send you the software and you install it on your office computer.
- QGlobal is internet-based.
- Some assessments cost as little as $2-$5 per administration
- More expensive assessments run from $25 to $35.
- We think you should charge more for assessments than they cost you to buy. This helps account for your time and expertise.
- A good price for your area is $150
- Fill out the qualification form with Pearson and you’ll be ready to go.
- There are many tests available for use by master’s-level therapists.
- Dr. David Kats, D.C.