Plan an age-appropriate biopsychosocial, culturally appropriate assessment
Overview
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between "normal" developmental changes from the onset of mental illness (McGorry & Goldstein, 2011). Other challenges to assessment arise when the young person is vulnerable or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. Consequently, initial and ongoing assessments must be comprehensive, holistic, age-appropriate, and meet the needs and preferences of the young person. Assessments must also be undertaken collaboratively with family members or carers and other service providers.
Assessment 2 focusing on the planning needed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a young person referred to you for possible mental health issues. Drawing on a complex case study, you will propose a framework of assessment and then explain and justify how you will conduct the assessment. Following this, you will propose steps to facilitate engagement and collaborative relationships with the young person and her carer(s).
Utilise case study attached – Assessment 2 Case Study.
Task
- Provide an introduction to your analysis, incorporating an overview of the paper’s content and a brief summary of the young person’s situation. (250 words)
- Based on your analysis of the case study, identify and explain the major life challenges of the young person and key family members, including the young person’s level of risk. (250 words)
- Develop a comprehensive plan to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the young person and their family, including biopsychosocial, cultural and other relevant considerations (1400 words). You must provide an evidence-based rationale for this plan and include the following:
o the major challenges to engaging the young person and key family members in the process of assessment, including how the identified challenges could be overcome;
o the key domains to be assessed (e.g. physical/biological, cognitive, mental, social, emotional, spiritual, functional, etc.);
o specific mental health assessment tools and strategies that could be utilised to address the needs of the young person and key family members; and
o details of how you would prepare the information derived from the assessment for feedback to the young person and key family members.
- Explain and justify the health and other services with which you would need to collaborate to support the young person and her family. (200 words)
- Critically reflect on the possible short-term and long-term consequences for the young person if comprehensive and appropriate support is not provided to the young person and key family members. (300 words)
- Provide your conclusions. (100 words)
- Include references and appendixes. (no word limit)
Comprehensive Assessment Plan for a Young Person with Possible Mental Health Issues
Introduction
This assessment plan aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a young person referred for possible mental health issues. The assessment will be holistic, age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and collaborative, involving the young person, their family, and relevant service providers. By addressing the biopsychosocial aspects and considering cultural factors, this plan aims to provide a thorough understanding of the young person's situation and identify appropriate interventions.
Major Life Challenges and Risk Assessment
Based on the case study, the major life challenges for the young person include academic difficulties, social isolation, low self-esteem, self-harm behaviors, and symptoms of depression. The young person's risk level is moderate to high due to the presence of self-harm behaviors and depressive symptoms.
Plan for Comprehensive Assessment
Engaging the Young Person and Family:
Establish a safe and non-judgmental environment to build trust and rapport.
Utilize culturally sensitive approaches to understand the young person's background and beliefs.
Involve family members in the assessment process to gain their perspectives and support.
Key Domains to Assess:
Physical/Biological: Assess physical health, sleep patterns, substance use, and any medical conditions that may contribute to mental health issues.
Cognitive: Evaluate cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
Mental: Assess the presence and severity of mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or self-harm behaviors.
Social/Emotional: Explore social relationships, peer interactions, emotional regulation skills, and experiences of bullying or discrimination.
Functional: Assess daily functioning, including school performance, self-care skills, and engagement in activities of daily living.
Cultural/Spiritual: Understand the impact of culture and spirituality on the young person's well-being and incorporate relevant assessments.
Mental Health Assessment Tools and Strategies:
Conduct structured interviews (e.g., K-SADS or MINI-KID) to assess mental health symptoms.
Utilize standardized questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) to measure symptom severity and monitor progress.
Use validated scales (e.g., Beck Youth Inventories) to assess emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Implement behavioral observations to understand the young person's interactions in different contexts.
Preparation of Feedback:
Organize assessment findings in a comprehensive report, using clear language and avoiding jargon.
Highlight strengths, areas of concern, and specific recommendations for intervention.
Present feedback in a supportive manner, allowing for questions and clarifications.
Provide written resources and referrals for further support if needed.
Collaboration with Health and Other Services
To support the young person and their family effectively, collaboration with various services is necessary. These may include:
Mental Health Services: Collaborate with child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors to provide specialized assessment and treatment interventions.
School Services: Liaise with teachers, guidance counselors, and special education staff to address educational challenges and implement appropriate support strategies.
Community Services: Collaborate with community organizations providing youth programs, mentoring, or support groups that align with the young person's interests and needs.
Cultural Support Services: Engage cultural liaison officers or interpreters to ensure effective communication and understanding between service providers and the young person's family.
Consequences of Inadequate Support
If comprehensive and appropriate support is not provided to the young person and their family, short-term consequences may include worsening mental health symptoms, increased risk of self-harm or suicide, academic decline, social isolation, and strained family relationships. In the long term, untreated mental health issues can lead to chronic mental health conditions, decreased quality of life, limited educational and career opportunities, and potential impact on overall well-being.
Conclusion
A comprehensive assessment plan is crucial in understanding the complexities of a young person's mental health issues. By addressing biopsychosocial aspects, cultural considerations, engaging the young person and their family, utilizing appropriate assessment tools, collaborating with relevant services, and considering potential consequences of inadequate support, this plan aims to provide a solid foundation for effective intervention and support for the young person's mental health journey.