New course this spring - Child psychopathology
This semester brings another new course - child psychopathology - basically a DSM course (assessment and diagnosis). Should be interesting! In my current setting (suburban school social work with a prevention focus) I don't have to diagnose because it is a prevention program. This has both pros and cons. Since I am not fully assessing & diagnosing, it keeps me honestly doing prevention, not treatment. But a segment of the students referred to me would be well-served by having a thorough psychosocial assessment, so that they could be referred to the appropriate programs & providers.
Assessment and diagnosis always seems like solving a puzzle to me - trying to find the right pieces of information and fit them together so that they make sense and point the direction for treatment.

Comments