The basic steps in the flowchart for treating a client for a possible psychological disorder are:
- Assessment
- Gather information about symptoms and functioning through methods such as self‑reports, observations, and interviews to understand the client’s difficulties and history.
* Rule out medical causes, consider risk (e.g., self‑harm), and note severity and duration of symptoms.
- Diagnosis
- Compare the assessment information with established diagnostic criteria (such as those in the DSM) to decide whether the client meets the definition of a specific psychological disorder.
* Share the diagnosis and its implications with the client, including what it means and what treatment options are appropriate.
- Treatment
- Develop and begin a treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy (for example, cognitive‑behavioral or interpersonal therapy), medication, or a combination, depending on the diagnosis and severity.
* Set concrete goals for change and choose interventions matched to the client’s needs, preferences, age, and level of risk.
- Ongoing assessment
- Regularly monitor symptoms, functioning, and side effects to see whether the client is improving and whether the treatment is working as intended.
* Adjust the diagnosis or treatment plan as needed (e.g., changing the therapy approach, altering medication, or increasing the level of care) and plan for maintenance or relapse prevention once the client is stable.
