Diagnostic Assessments

A diagnostic assessment is typically a 45-minute face-to-face interview with a client, or in the case of a child, the client and his/her parents(s). Information gathered includes: presenting problem, history of problem, symptoms, functional impairment, developmental history, socio-emotional development, history of abuse or neglect, medical and mental health history, chemical use, and current and past medications used. A diagnostic assessment results in a diagnosis, along with recommendations for future treatment, and is necessary to determine a recipient's eligibility for mental health services.