content Requirements:
This assignment allows students to integrate information obtained by applying the ecosystems and strengths-based approaches to assessing a client and family system and gathering that information into a written biopsychosocial assessment.
Students will use the clients background story and current situation/experiences in the film to complete the biopsychosocial assessment. Think of the film as information that the client is sharing with you- aspects of their family, experiences in their life, goals, feelings, etc.
Students will take the perspective of a social worker working with the client after the film has ended. That means that you are picking up where the movie leaves off at the end. If there is a social worker/therapist/counselor in the film, you will use this social worker/therapist as a referral source.
The events that transpired in the film and the relationships shown in the film must be included in the assessment. Students may need to exercise some creativity for certain parts of the biopsychosocial assessment (ex: the demographics section). Students will not make up information about their client that was not discussed in the film (ex: religious affiliation if none was mentioned).
Students will follow the outline below, and include the following information, for sections 1 and 2 of this assignment.
Section 1
Identifying information- Demographics (gender, ethnicity, age, location, contact information, work (or school), family, home/living situation. You can also discuss any prior interventions here (programs, services, etc.).
Reason for referral/route of referral How was the client referred to the agency/social worker and why? Who referred them to you and why? It can be a previous social worker/therapist/teacher, etc., family member or friend, or can be self-referred.
Source of data What is this report based on? When did you meet with the client? How long was your meeting? What occurred during that meeting? If reports are from elsewhere or a compilation of sources, include. For example, if you contacted the referral source for additional information, discuss that here.
Presenting problem
What does client say is the reason they are there? If referred by someone else, what would others say? Include history of problem, any prior attempts at solving problem, and the current nature of the problem.
Observations: physical appearance, hygiene/grooming, indication of organic problems, mood, or unusual habits. Communication style of client, non-verbal communication, how you and client relate. Emotional state of your client at time of your meetings
Family background (information about family of origin, parents, siblings)- This includes any historical information youve gathered about the family of origin and/or caregivers. Who were important members of the clients family? What was it like for the client in their family of origin?
Current family situation/ family functioning and clients significant others (significant relationships/household composition) Social networks: family and friends, coworkers, short- term or long-term, supporting or draining/conflictual. Who are currently the most important people in the clients life? What relationships have been important to them recently?
Home environment: Conditions, hazards, supports, sources of stimulation, peace, conflict
Developmental history of client:
Early developmental history- childhood, adolescence (What do you know about their childhood?)
Significant adult developmental issues- education, relationships, parenthood, separations, losses
History of trauma- Details of any traumatic experiences including abuse, violence, substance abuse, traumatic losses etc.
Physical/behavioral
Physical functioning health concerns, nutrition, home safety, illness, disabilities medication
Mental Status (Addresses each of the bullet points below)
Intellectual functioning (school performance, education)
Appropriateness of behavior
Orientation to person/time/place
Memory
Sensorium
Mood and affect
Thought content
Insight
Judgment
Psychological and emotional patterns
Defense mechanisms (Links to an external site.): Is your client distancing themselves from unpleasant thoughts, feelings, or behaviors? Click on the link to read about defense mechanisms and identify if your client is using any of these. Discuss what youve observed.
Self-concept/self esteem
Struggles with mental health issues- Has the client been diagnosed previously? Remember, you are not diagnosing.
Strengths, ways of coping and problem-solving capacities
Coping Skills- How is your client coping with the following? What resources (internal and external) is your client using to cope?
