LMHC Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

A client presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, significant weight loss, insomnia, and feelings of worthlessness. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Answer

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

Answer

Bipolar II Disorder, Depressive Episode

Question 2

During the intake interview, a client discloses that they recently lost their job and are struggling financially. The BEST way to document this information is under which assessment domain?

Accepted Answer

Psychological stressors and support systems

Answer

Axis I clinical disorders

Answer

Mental status examination findings

Answer

Presenting problem and chief complaint

Question 3

Which structured clinical interview is widely considered the gold standard for establishing DSM-5 diagnoses in research and clinical settings?

Accepted Answer

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)

Answer

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

Answer

Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

Question 4

A counselor is assessing a 16-year-old client who reports using alcohol on weekends but denies it causes problems. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Administer a validated adolescent substance use screening tool such as the CRAFFT

Answer

Accept the client's self-report and document no substance use disorder

Answer

Immediately refer to a substance abuse treatment program

Answer

Diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder, Mild based on self-reported use

Question 5

A client scores 15 on the PHQ-9. What level of depression severity does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Moderately severe depression

Answer

Mild depression

Answer

Moderate depression

Answer

Severe depression

Question 6

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a mental status examination (MSE) during intake?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a systematic snapshot of the client's current cognitive and emotional functioning

Answer

To gather a detailed developmental and social history

Answer

To administer standardized psychometric tests for diagnosis

Answer

To evaluate the client's readiness for change using motivational interviewing

Question 7

A client reports experiencing intense fear of social situations and avoids them due to worry about embarrassing themselves for more than 6 months. Which diagnosis should the counselor consider FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia