Week Notes Flashcards
What is assessment?
A systematic method of gathering & integrating data to evaluate behavior, abilities, and other characteristics- particularly for the purpose of diagnosis
What is the purpose of assessments?
To gather information regarding the client for variety of purposes, including client decision-making, treatment planning, and forensic proceedings.
What does SEASIC mean?
- Select
- Evaluate
- Administer
- Score
- Interpret
- Communicate
What are some of the legal/ethical considerations related to assessments?
Cultural considerations of diagnosis, are tests beneficial to client, etc.
How do assessments fit within the scope of practice for LMFT/LPCC?
LMFT- no projective techniques
LPCC- only 2 projective techniques, to assess personality. No IQ testing, neurological, and only 3 tests for psychosis, dementia, amnesia, cognitive impairment, or criminal behavior
How to assess your scope of competence?
Know when to refer out!
What are structured assessments?
More standardized set of questions, provide stability/reliability, and limits counselor to probe for more details
What are unstructured assessments?
Greater counselor rapport/further follow up, but can miss key concepts.
What are different types of assessments?
- Interview
- Structured
- Unstructured
- Semi-Structured
Describe clinical observations.
Gather information to conceptualzie presenting concerns, evaluate for referral or triage, develop diagnosis, collaborate in treatment planning, and evaluate progress/outcomes.
Describe Research Observations.
Operationalize concepts to measure predictor variables or outcomes.
What is the difference between standardized and non-standardized measures?
- Standardized is uniform procedures for test administration objective scoring, and use of representative norm (e.g., IQ test)
- Non-standardized is rating scales, projective techniques, behavioral observation, and biographical measures.
What is the difference between criterion-referenced vs. norm-referenced tests.
- Criterion: comparison with an absolute score established by an authority
- Norm: comparison w/ scores obtained by other individuals
Define Sensitivity.
The probability of a cutoff score on a particular test or measure to accurately detect those who meet criteria for a diagnosis/condition (true positive)
Define Specificity.
The probability of a cutoff score to correctly identify those who do not meet criteria for a diagnosis (true negative).
Why are Sensitivity and Specificity important for clinical practice?
Diagnostic accuracy, access to treatment/resources, considerations for interpreting, evaluating holistically.
Regarding Sensitivity and Specificity, which results in higher false positives and why?
Sensitivity because the cutoff is lowered, meaning more people will meet criteria.
Regarding Sensitivity and Specificity, which results in higher false negatives and why?
Specificity, because when the cutoff score is raised, more people that have the disorder no longer meet the criteria.
Why is substance abuse screening important?
Safety, medication interactions, insight on client’s worldview/functioning, understanding client’s coping mechanisms.
