Essay on PSYCH 655 Week 6 Individual - 1264 Words

Clinical Assessment in Health Centers Heather L. Bienkowski PSCYH 655 March 23, 2015 Professor Karen Hoeve Clinical Assessment in Health Centers Clinical assessments have their place in almost every facet of the psychological and educational realms. I have been tracking down and examining what the most important aspects of assessment are that come into play in regard to drug and substance abuse, custody battles, as well as the importance the role of adhering to the ethical standards of utilizing culturally informed assessments. Clinical assessments within mental health centers are carry great importance in the identifying underlying behavioral problems, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Behind every assessment is a clinician who†¦show more content†¦Through the interpretation of both verbal and nonverbal language, as well as the specific client complaints, clinicians can pinpoint important markers within behavior and can generate an understanding of their patient and determine the type of treatment that would be best for their client. In all psychological and biological assessment, the use of culturally attuned a ssessments is top priority. â€Å"We may define culturally informed psychological assessment as an approach to evaluation that is keenly perceptive of and responsive to issues of acculturation, values, identity, worldview, language, and other culture-related variables as they may impact the evaluation process or the interpretation of resulting data† (Cohen, Swerdlik, Sturman, 2013). Through this process key individuals contribute to the understanding of the client including family, friends, and coworkers input and information. Through the use of translators and other cultural affiliates clinicians are able to demonstrate a clearer understanding, a culturally applicable assessment, and ensure that the client understands the ins and outs of the assessment process. One important aspect of the implementation of the â€Å"one size fits all approach† to culturally attuned treatment and care in our mental health facilities (Cohen, Swerdlik, Sturman, 2013). Assessment and cl inical evaluations should not be a cookie cutter experience. The amount of patients that are