Diagnosing a client within the short timeframe of an intake assessment is not a simple task. After all, the DSM 5TR is over 1100 pages! The options are numerous, and many symptoms can be seen in multiple diagnoses, making differentiating one from another complicated. As clinicians, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it “right.”  We also deal with clients coming into our offices often telling us what their diagnoses are (that they were told by a previous provider or have self-diagnosed). We want an accurate clinical conclusion, and, on top of that, insurances require a diagnosis to bill. 

This training aims to build your confidence in your diagnostic skills, as well as take some of the pressure off. It will provide some quick things to look for to differentiate between common diagnoses that have some overlap. We will also look at special populations that have some diagnoses that frequently come up for them to help steer you in the right direction for yours and your client’s treatment plan. You will have the opportunity to practice asking questions that help you narrow down your choices for diagnosing. 

Course Objectives 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Examine the similarities and differences between common diagnoses
• Explore how they present in different settings and populations
• Discuss ways to elicit information crucial to your diagnosis.