1. PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS: (MENTAL STATUS EXAM)

Affect

Body movement

Facial structure

Physical appearance

Mood

2. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK:

Ask sensitive questions, i.e.: abuse, suicide, etc.

3. THOROUGH HISTORY TAKING: (See handout by Robert Walker, LCSW)

Familial

Past mental health services

Substance abuse

Victimization
 

Explore personality disorders

Categorize as an "order giver, order taker"

5. TIME FRAMES:

Differentiate between chronic and acute

Genealogy and Timeline

6. DON'T BE FOOLED BY YOUR CLIENT

Clients with Mental Illness will minimize

Be aware of malingering

7. GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT COLLATERAL SOURCES:

Client with MI may not tell an accurate story

Mitigating factors

Thorough investigation

Psychosocial history

8. ALLOW CLIENT TO EXPLAIN EFFECTS OF HIS OWN EMOTIONAL PROBLEM

Projection of blame

Treatment

Distorted thoughts

9. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT

Consultation with experienced attorney

Consulting Experts

10. DON'T IMMEDIATELY ASSUME ANTI-SOCIAL P.D. OR NO MENTAL HEALTH DEFENSE
 
 

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