Reference no: EM133194981

Assignment Description

Give feedback to your peers.

Feedback 1) Wk 4 Main Discussion Post from Ibeth Gutierrez

Well, Betty,

Based on what you shared with me and your mixed emotions, I have reasons for referring you to a psychiatrist for a psychological evaluation. A psychiatrist has the qualifications and credentials to administer medical testing and assessments (Sinacola et al., 2020). My scope of practice allows me to provide you with information about resources that would benefit you. However, a psychological evaluation could determine further treatment, such as prescription medication. If this is the case, it is not within my scope of practice to prescribe any medication or share with you whether I believe it is necessary for you to be on medication.

For that reason, it is in your best interest to seek collaborative behavioral healthcare, a standard practice that permits the counselor to refer the client to a psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association (2022) states that collaborative behavioral healthcare allows two providers to implement a care plan that fits a client's needs. This is important for your treatment, as I am not equipped to identify the severity of your mental health before speaking to a psychiatrist. When the evaluation is completed, the collaboration with your psychiatrist will prioritize your physical and mental health.

I want to refer you for a psychological evaluation because of the depressive and manic episodes you mentioned to me earlier. According to Sinacola et al. (2020), reasons for psychological evaluations include having episodes of mania, depression, or mixed mood states. Dealing with those emotions has led me to believe that it is vital to send a referral.

During the referral process, your psychiatrist will need to gain access to what is known as a release of information. All parties involved with your collaborative health will need access to the care plan. It is all required when and if you want to share your health plan with other professionals. Any time your record has to be viewed by others, a Release of Information must be signed and dated.

I understand if the information I shared with you today is a bit overwhelming. Going forward, please consider your options so we can support you in the best way possible. Your mental health and well-being are important, and while the medication is not your first choice, I would like you to consider all the facts. This is a lot to take in, and the decision does not have to be made today. If, at a later time, you decide that you would like to move forward with the referral, I would be happy to start the process.

Feedback 2: Bipolar Disorders (SRobertson)

Provide an explanation of why counselors refer clients to a psychiatrist for a psych eval (what is and what is not in our scope of practice).

Counselor: Betty you have shared some valuable information with me that I would like to explore further. Based on the information you have shared, It appears that you have been experiencing what is considered manic or depressive episodes. What this means is that you have you are going through mixed states of mood. One moment you are happy, the next you are the opposite.

I would like to refer you to a psychiatrist for a psych evaluation. With this particular disorder, The best treatment is medication. As your psychotherapist, I am able to make a mental health diagnosis, however, prescribing medication is not within my realm of practice.

Explain what collaborative behavioral healthcare is.

Counselor: My goal for you Betty is to offer quality care specific to your needs! I would like to collaborate with other professionals to ensure we are supporting you the best we can. We consider this "collaborative behavioral healthcare". As a component of your treatment plan, it is important that as your psychotherapist, I work in conjunction with the psychiatrist and possibly your physician to design a solid plan of care.

Include a description of two circumstances when a counselor would refer a client for a psych evaluation.

A counselor would refer a client for a psych evaluation when they are not skilled or able to provide the necessary care the client needs. This could mean they are unfamiliar with a certain diagnosis/symptoms and need someone more qualified to make the diagnosis.

Another circumstance that might require the counselor to refer a client for a psych evaluation would be because another assessment is needed. Or, the counselor does not have the competency to administer or interpret the assessment or results.

Describe two circumstances when a counselor would use the Release of Information (ROI) signed by a client.

The counselor would use the ROI signed by the client when making the referral and sharing the information with the referral. In this case-the psychiatrist for the psych evaluation.

Another circumstance would be to release information for the necessity of billing and insurance purposes.

Include an empathetic reflection to Betty.

Betty, I want to ensure you that is my intent to provide the best care plan possible. You have shared that you are noticing a significant and consistent shift in your mood. As you mentioned..." an emotional rollercoaster". Medication has been proven to be an effective treatment for this disorder, However, prescribing medication is beyond my scope of practice. Stabilizing your mood will allow us to do the work more efficiently.