Introduction to Assessment and Diagnosis

Psychologists need to be able to provide patients with the most appropriate treatment to address the presenting issues and problems that have brought them to treatment. To do this, psychologists must be able to: assess the patient’s current situation and symptoms; understand how their history has influenced their current situation; and understand the patient’s living circumstances, their own unique range of strengths and weaknesses, supports that are available, and other relevant factors. On the basis of this information, psychologists arrive at an individualised ‘case formulation’ which will then guide the clinician to the most appropriate treatment options.