Assessments Part 1

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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.
  • 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.

What’s the medical model for patient care?
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
3. Diagnosis
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!
  • 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.

Where can you find assessments?

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.

How much does each assessment cost you?
  • Some assessments cost as little as $2-$5 per administration
  • More expensive assessments run from $25 to $35.

How much should charge for assessments?
  • 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

Start using assessments today!
  • 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.

Using assessments will help your patients tremendously, help you enjoy your practice more, and bring more money into your practice.

- Dr. David Kats, D.C.