WK5 Reflection Response

Learning Goal: I’m working on a other writing question and need a sample draft to help me learn.

Objective: Reflect on the material from this course.

This coures was about Diagnostic Evaluation & Personal Assessment.

In a 1-2 page paper, reflect upon what you have learned throughout this course. What stands out to you the most? What challenges do you foresee? What are you looking forward to as a substance abuse counselor?

Here is a breakdown of each weeks objectives for the coures

Week One introduces us to diagnosis in the psychological environment. To understand how we approach diagnosis today, we will review the history of testing and assessment from ancient history to modern times. This will allow us to get an overview of what has been studied and developed and what has not. We want to know what tools are valid and reliable rather than reinventing the wheel.

Week 2 we will examine different types of assessments to help in diagnosing clients. These tests help us determine the needs of the client so we can develop a treatment plan that will be of the most benefit to him or her.

Week 3 explores the interview process, which is key to helping clinicians obtain much needed personal information of a client that will aid the screening, assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning process.

Week 4 explores the different types of informal assessment procedures. Most of the assessments we have covered so far are “homegrown”; that is, developed by individuals who have specific assessment needs. Being homegrown, the amount of time, money, and expertise put into their development is generally much less than it is for those nationally developed instruments. Thus, reliability, validity, and cross-cultural issues are generally not formally addressed and often are lacking. Despite this obvious drawback, such instruments can be a practical addition to the assessment process and supply valuable information when assessing an individual. This week you will learn about some informal procedures that have been proven to be effective when gathering information during assessment. One of your assignments this week will include creating an actual assessment report.

In Week 5 we will review our strengths and weaknesses in regard to the diagnostic process. We will also explore the three key components of a treatment plan so we understand what to discuss and review with our clients prior to implementing treatment.