Client Description And Intake Interview
Assume the role of a case manager and develop a description of a client in need of services, who is entering your agency for the first time. Provide basic demographic information (including gender, ethnicity, and age), the current need for services, brief family history, treatment history, and any other assessment information pertinent to the client's well-being. (100 points)
Based on your client's initial information gathered in the description above, develop an interview outline listing the questions you will ask throughout the interview to (1) identify the problem, (2) establish problem severity, and (3) assess for strengths. Each area should include a minimum of 10 questions—both open and closed inquiries. Following the interview outline, develop a 200-400 word reflection on possible personal biases and interview pitfalls you may experience and how you would overcome them in order to best help the client. (150 points)
Sample Solution
Name: Maria Rodriguez (assumed) Age: 42 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Latina Current Need: Housing assistance and mental health support
Family History:
- Maria was raised by a single mother who struggled with addiction.
- She has two younger siblings, one incarcerated and the other estranged.
- Maria married at 18, but the relationship ended in an abusive divorce five years later.
- She has one son, 16-year-old Diego, who lives with her.
Full Answer Section
Treatment History:
- Maria has received intermittent therapy for depression and anxiety since her divorce.
- She briefly participated in a domestic violence support group but dropped out due to transportation challenges.
- Maria has a history of unstable housing, moving between relatives' homes and shelters.
Assessment Information:
- Maria reports feeling overwhelmed and hopeless due to her housing situation.
- She has been sleeping poorly and experiencing increased anxiety and panic attacks.
- Maria expresses concerns about Diego's well-being and their ability to stay together.
- She has minimal income from part-time work and struggles to afford basic necessities.
Interview Outline:
Identifying the Problem:
- Open-ended: "Maria, can you tell me more about what brings you to our agency today?"
- Closed: "Do you have any specific concerns regarding your housing situation?"
- Open-ended: "How does your housing insecurity impact your daily life and well-being?"
- Closed: "When did you last feel safe and secure in your living situation?"
- Open-ended: "What other challenges are you currently facing besides housing?"
Establishing Problem Severity:
- Open-ended: "Can you describe your typical day and the challenges you face?"
- Closed: "On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe, how much does your housing situation affect your mental health?"
- Open-ended: "Does your housing insecurity impact your ability to work or care for your son?"
- Closed: "Have you ever considered harming yourself or others due to your current situation?"
- Open-ended: "What are your biggest fears and anxieties related to your housing and mental health?"
Assessing Strengths:
- Open-ended: "Tell me about what you're good at and what helps you cope with difficult situations."
- Closed: "Do you have any family or friends who offer support?"
- Open-ended: "What resources have you used in the past that were helpful?"
- Closed: "Are you currently receiving any mental health treatment?"
- Open-ended: "What are your hopes and goals for the future?"
Reflection on Biases and Pitfalls:
As a case manager, I am aware of several personal biases and interview pitfalls that could impact my ability to effectively help Maria. Here are some potential challenges and how I would address them:
Bias:
- Cultural Bias: I might unconsciously hold stereotypes about Latinas, judging Maria based on assumptions instead of her individual experiences.
- Socioeconomic Bias: My own background might influence my understanding of poverty and its challenges.
Pitfalls:
- Leading Questions: I could inadvertently lead Maria to specific answers, limiting her ability to express her unique situation.
- Closed-mindedness: I might be overly focused on finding solutions instead of actively listening and understanding Maria's perspective.
To overcome these challenges, I will:
- Maintain Cultural Competency: Actively learn about Latina culture and experiences, avoiding generalizations.
- Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on my own biases and how they might influence my interactions with clients.
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage Maria to share her story without leading her towards specific answers.
- Actively Listen: Pay close attention to Maria's verbal and nonverbal cues, acknowledging her emotions and experiences.
- Seek Supervision: Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to identify and address any potential biases impacting my work.
By acknowledging my limitations and actively working to overcome them, I can create a safe and supportive space for Maria to share her story and collaborate on solutions that empower her to overcome her challenges.