Initial Assessment in Counseling
Information Gathered in Initial Interview
Defining the Client’s Problem
Assessing the Change Process
Interviewing Skills and Techniques
Interviewing Children
Types of Interviews
Other Strategies Used in Initial Assessment
Assessment of Suicide Potential
Assessment of Suicide Potential: Warning Signs & Risk Factors
Assessment of Suicide Potential
Assessment of Substance Abuse
Assessment of Substance Abuse: Methods & Instruments
Mental Status Examination(Polanski & Hinkle, 2000)

Interviews

Structured: established set of questions asked in same manner and sequence to each client Unstructured: counselor has idea of possible items but conducts interview in a unique manner depending on the client’s needs Semi-structured: combination of structured and unstructured; certain questions are always asked, but there is room for exploration and additional questions