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International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience | ISSN: 1522-4821 | Volume 20
November 26-27, 2018 | Los Angeles, USA
Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing and Healthcare
World Summit on
Applied Psychology, Psychiatry and Mental Health
International Conference on
&
Psychological assessment: Brief, comprehensive and cultural competent skills for today’s professional
Lavonda Mickens
The Chicago School of Professional School, USA
Statement of the Problem:
One in six individuals lives with a mental illness in the United States (NIMH, 2016). Effective,
comprehensive and culturally competent treatment of mental illnesses (i.e., psychiatric disorders) is vital in a fast-paced, changing,
21st century America. Treatment should reflect the needs of a culturally diverse United States population (US Census, 2018) given that
ethnic minority groups are projected to be 51% percent of the population by 2050. Additionally, comprehensive and brief skills will
be advantageous in a world influenced by fast-paced technology (e.g., smartphones, internet). Licensed and pre-licensed medical and
mental health professionals (e.g. Psychologists; Psychiatrists; RNs; Interns) will continue to require quick, handy tools for assessment
of psychopathology and substance abuse at an increasing pace. The purpose of this symposium is to introduce a brief, 3-step model
for assessing substance abuse, psychiatric and personality (character) disorders from a culturally-informed lens.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation:
The present model is entitled the BSPE (Background-Substance-Psychiatric-Energy)
Model. It is an assessment tool informed by a psychosocial lens and is designed to be completed within 15 minutes. In Step 1: the
clinician asks the patient how the individual would describe his/her/zir ethnic and gender background. Additionally, the patient is
asked to perceived challenges more inclusive norms. In Step 2: the clinician uses both a brief substance use and psychiatric screener.
In Step 3: the clinician rates his/her/zir own subjective exhaustion with the patient on a scale of 1-10. The clinician also asks the
patient how the person closest to him/her (zir) would describe personality or essence.
Conclusion & Significance:
Professionals working in psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings may utilize this culturally-
informed, psychosocial model as a way to provide effective treatment for diverse populations.
lmickens@thechicagoschool.eduInt J Emerg Ment Health, Volume 20
DOI: 10.4172/1522-4821-C5-024