Bio-Psychosocial Assessment Assignment For Instructor
Bio Psychosocial Assessment Assignmenthbse Iinstructorin Addition To
Bio-psychosocial Assessment Assignment HBSE I Instructor: In addition to the directions listed on Black Board, here are some guidelines. All of your writing should be in complete sentences (no bullet points or lists). Use APA format. Use professional language. Do not insert your opinion or thoughts.
This is an assessment of an individual’s presenting problem, history, symptoms, functioning, resources, strengths and needs. It should be written well enough to enter into the client’s clinical file, as well as submit to court, other agencies, etc. Imagine multiple professionals will be reading this. Your paper should have citations throughout. Please note: If you did not gather enough information from the video, fill it in yourself.
Your assessment should not say “The video didn’t say anything about his spiritual development.†Instead, you should provide a comprehensive assessment, regardless of how much actual information you have on this case example. I am most interested in that you can complete a full assessment. Here are a few tips and suggestions throughout the outline. These are not comprehensive, but snippets to give you an idea of how it should be written. Presenting issue (including referral source) This section should state the problem/issue that brought the client to the social worker’s attention and who referred the client. e.g. Joe Smith was referred to ABC Therapy Agency by his substance abuse counselor for treatment related to a history of trauma, grief and loss. Joe’s sister was killed in car accident 2 years ago. Although Joe has been clean of alcohol and drugs for 8 months, he is exhibiting trauma-related and depressive symptoms. Demographic information Include age, gender, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and any other information you have. e.g. Joe Smith is a 17 year old Caucasian male. He reports being of low socioeconomic background and stated most of his family, “struggles with poverty.†· Current living situation · Where and with whom does the client live? Include any relevant information. · e.g. Joe Smith currently lives with his mother and step-father. He was recently discharged from a residential substance abuse program, where he lived for 3 months. Prior to this treatment program, Joe was living on the streets and at friends’ homes for nearly one year, while actively using cocaine and alcohol. He has been out of treatment and living back with his mother and step-father for 5 months. He stated, “It’s not a super nice place but it feels good to be home, to have a place to sleep every night.†· · Birth and developmental history · Include here any known aspect regarding: (a) the client’s mother’s pregnancy (planned or unplanned, with or without support, teenage mother, etc.) (b) developmental milestones, problems or concerns; (c) history of learning problems, etc. · e.g. Joe reported that his mother “was addicted to cocaine when she was pregnant with me.†Although his mother reportedly became sober before Joe turned one, he has experienced the effects of substance exposure in utero. Joe stated he was diagnosed at a young age with a learning disorder and attention deficit disorder.†· School and social relationships · This section should include information on social functioning, friends and other supports. · e.g. Joe describes himself as “an outcast†at school. However, he also reported having deveral close friends. He is especially close with a male, John age 17 and a female, Mary age 18 he met in treatment. Joe stated he feels he “can tell Mary anything.†Here is an example of how you can include citations in your study: Joe demonstrates emotional and behavioral concerns and is socially isolated, which are risk factors for disruptions in developmental outcomes of adolescence, such as engaging in healthy social relationships and individuation (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2014). · Family members and relationships This section should include important family relationships, conflicts, supports. When Joe’s younger sister died in a car accident 2 years ago, Joe immediately withdrew from the rest of his family. He once had a very loving, supportive relationship with his mother. Joe stated, after his sister died his mother, “cried for days and days and never left her bed.†Joe stayed away from home and distanced himself from other family members, as well. He stated, “I didn’t want to think about her. I wanted to run away.†It was at this time, Joe started using drugs and alcohol heavily. Health and medical Issues (including psychological and psychiatric functioning, substance abuse) This section should include any current or historical medical problems, psychological/psychiatric problems, previous and current diagnoses, substance use/abuse, smoking, eating behaviors, etc. · Spiritual development · This section should focus on client identifies the role of spirituality in his/her life. · · Social, community, and recreational activities Include here any activities, groups, clubs, organizations, etc. the client is involved in. · · Client strengths, capacities, and resources This is a very important section. Review here client’s strengths and abilities, resources and supports. Joe has experienced many challenges in his life, yet he demonstrates resilience despite his exposure to adversity. Joe is an engaging young man who is polite and well-spoken. Despite his learning problems, living on the streets and going to residential treatment, Joe passed all of his classes this school year and is being advanced to the 12th grade. After addressing the 10 categories, answer the following supplemental questions. · 1. What specific intervention strategies (skills, knowledge, etc.) did you use to address this client situation? · 2. Several theories are woven through this case study—Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Systems Theory, Engagement and Assessment Skills. Explain which of the theories you used to guide your practice. · 3. Describe the challenges faced by the client(s)—for example, drug addiction, lack of basic needs, victim of abuse, new school environment, etc. · 4. Describe the identified strengths of the client(s). · 5. Explain the agreed-upon goals to be met in order to address the concerns. · 6. Did you have to address any issues around cultural competence? Did you have to learn about this population/group prior to beginning your work with this client system? If so, what type of research did you do to prepare? · 7. What, if any local, state, or federal policies could (or do) impact this situation? · 8. How would you advocate for social change to positively impact this case? · 9. Are there any legal/ethical issues present in the case? If so, what were they and how were they addressed? · 10. How can evidence-based practice be integrated into this situation? · 11. Is there any additional information or material you think is important to the use of the case? · 12. Provide any personal reflection regarding the case that you think would be relevant to the course.
Paper For Above instruction
The cognitive-behavioral approach to assessment and intervention is a prominent framework used within biopsychosocial evaluations, particularly relevant when working with youth confronting complex challenges such as trauma, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. This comprehensive assessment aims to elucidate the multifaceted aspects of an individual's presenting issues, history, strengths, and resources, which guide targeted interventions aligned with evidence-based practices.
Presenting Issue and Referral Source: The client, a 16-year-old male named James, was referred to the community mental health agency by his school counselor following concerns about declining academic performance, social withdrawal, and episodes of intense anger. The school counselor observed shifts in James' behavior, including frequent absences, confrontational interactions with teachers, and signs of emotional distress. The referral aimed to identify underlying psychological issues contributing to these behaviors and develop appropriate intervention strategies.
Demographic Information: James is a 16-year-old African American male residing in an urban setting. He lives with his mother and two younger siblings in a low-income household. The family faces socioeconomic hardships characterized by unemployment and limited access to healthcare resources. James reports being a high school sophomore, demonstrating increasing academic difficulties and social isolation.
Current Living Situation and Developmental History: James's current residence is with his mother, who works multiple jobs to support the family, and his younger siblings. The family has experienced significant stress due to financial instability. Developmentally, James achieved early milestones within typical age ranges but experienced delays in language development. His mother reports that James began exhibiting behavioral issues at age 10, including temper tantrums and defiance, often exacerbated during periods of familial stress. No known history of prenatal substance exposure, but James reports that his mother struggled with depression during pregnancy and after his birth.
School and Social Relationships: James reports feeling disconnected from his peers and describes himself as "isolated" at school. Although he has a few friends, he prefers solitary activities like gaming or reading. Socially, he struggles with assertiveness and experiences difficulty managing emotions in peer interactions. He reports that teachers often label him as "disruptive," which further diminishes his self-esteem. Despite these challenges, James maintains a close relationship with his mother, who is supportive but overwhelmed with their circumstances.
Family Relationship Dynamics: The family has experienced notable conflict, primarily targeted at financial hardships and the emotional states of family members. James's relationship with his father is strained due to long-term separation. The death of his maternal grandfather two years prior has further strained familial bonds, contributing to James's emotional difficulties. His mother's depression has limited her capacity to provide consistent emotional support, although she expresses concern and willingness to help.
Health and Medical Issues: James has a history of psychosomatic complaints, including frequent headaches and stomachaches, which are now understood as manifestations of anxiety. He was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder last year and is currently prescribed an SSRI medication. No evidence of substance use reported, but he admits to experimenting with alcohol occasionally. No significant physical health issues reported.
Spiritual Development: James identifies as spiritual but does not actively participate in organized religion. He believes in a higher power but finds it difficult to access spiritual comfort given current life stressors. His spiritual beliefs serve as a personal solace rather than a structured part of his coping mechanism.
Social, Community, and Recreational Activities: James spends much of his free time engaging in online gaming and reading comic books. He has no involvement in extracurricular activities or community groups, largely due to social anxiety and feelings of exclusion. The lack of positive recreational outlets limits his social engagement and development of social skills.
Client Strengths, Capacities, and Resources: Despite his difficulties, James demonstrates resilience. He is articulate in expressing his feelings and recognizes the need for help. His relationship with his mother provides emotional support, and he exhibits motivation to improve his mental health and academic performance. He demonstrates adaptability, managing daily challenges with persistence, and has a creative interest in digital art, which could serve as an engagement tool in therapy.
Intervention Strategies: The application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques was central, focusing on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns contributing to James's anxiety and anger. Psychoeducation about emotional regulation was provided, along with practical skills training such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises. Additionally, family therapy was recommended to improve communication and reduce conflict, fostering a supportive environment for James's growth.
Theoretical Frameworks: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs guided the assessment process, emphasizing the importance of addressing basic needs before expecting psychological growth. Systems theory underscored the significance of family dynamics and environmental factors influencing James's behavior. Engagement and assessment skills, including rapport-building and active listening, facilitated a trusting therapeutic environment conducive to change.
Challenges Faced: James faces multiple challenges, including chronic anxiety, family instability, academic struggles, and social isolation. External stressors induced by socioeconomic hardship further exacerbate his mental health issues. His limited social support network hinders the development of healthy coping mechanisms, increasing vulnerability to emotional dysregulation.
Strengths of the Client: James's articulate expression of emotions, resilience, motivation to change, and supportive relationship with his mother are notable strengths. His creative interest in digital art offers a therapeutic outlet and potential engagement avenue.
Goals: The primary goals include reducing anxiety symptoms, improving emotional regulation, enhancing social skills, and increasing engagement in positive recreational activities. Establishing a supportive family environment and addressing systemic issues related to socioeconomic hardship are also targeted goals to foster long-term stability.
Cultural Competence: Prior to engaging with James, research into African American adolescents’ experiences with mental health stigma, cultural values, and community resources was undertaken. Understanding cultural nuances helped tailor interventions that respect James’s identity, increasing engagement and efficacy.
Policy Impact: Local policies aimed at increasing access to mental health services for low-income youth, such as Medicaid expansion, directly impact James’s case. Educational policies promoting mental health awareness also influence the availability of school-based interventions.
Advocacy for Social Change: Advocating for equitable access to mental health care, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and promoting youth engagement in community programs are essential to effecting positive change for clients like James. Policy reforms supporting mental health funding and anti-stigma campaigns could enhance service accessibility.
Legal/Ethical Issues: Confidentiality and informed consent were emphasized, especially concerning minors. Ethical considerations also included cultural competence and respecting client autonomy, alongside ensuring appropriate referrals for ongoing care.
Evidence-Based Practice: Integrating evidence-based interventions such as CBT, family therapy, and mental health screening tools ensures that James receives effective and standardized care. Continuous assessment and monitoring adapt treatment to his evolving needs.
Additional Material: It is important to consider ongoing community resource development and school-based mental health initiatives that could facilitate sustainable support for James and similar adolescents.
Personal Reflection: Working with James highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive practices and the need for a holistic approach addressing socioeconomic and familial factors influencing mental health outcomes. It reinforced the value of resilience and the client's active participation in therapy for meaningful change.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
- Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
- Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., & Somerville, L. H. (2011). Braking and accelerating of the adolescent brain. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21(1), 21-33.
- Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Hawkins, J. D., & Catalano, R. F. (1992). Communities that care: Action for drug abuse prevention. Cambridge University Press.
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- Ozer, E. J., & Weinstein, R. S. (2004). Student mental health and school mental health programs. Journal of School Psychology, 42(6), 407-414.
- Reich, C. M., & Masten, A. S. (2013). Resilience in adolescent development. Oxford University Press.
- Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2014). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (8th ed.). Brooks Cole.