Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1983.

It has been demonstrated psychologists are more likely to over-diagnose clients to obtain reimbursement if clients are using insurance (Pomerantz & Segrist, 2006). Although diagnoses are helpful in providing direction for treatment plans, incorrect diagnoses may be stigmatizing and result in flawed care (Wahl, 1999). Using an experimental design with video vignettes simulating therapy sessions, this paper will explore whether psychologists tend to excessively believe in false diagnoses when forced to provide them, as well as whether those labels negatively affect psychologists' opinions of clients. Hierarchical multiple regression will be used to determine if those in the group forced to diagnose a client tend to over-diagnose and have a more negative opinion of the client. / text

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Social Sciences

No description available.

The intent of this study was to examine the perceived resources and obstacles which were related to the utilization of mental health services by chronically mentally ill Mexican American clients. Specifically, the study identified resources and obstacles encountered by six chronically mentally ill clients and six family members as they accessed various mental health services. The study was conducted in the fall of 1985 from clients currently receiving services from La Frontera Center, Inc., Tucson, Arizona. Data were interpreted through content analysis to conceptualize and categorize client and family member responses. Chronically mentally ill clients relied heavily on individuals such as friends, therapist and priest as resources for mental health service support. In contrast, family members focused primarily on institutions for resource support. Financial resources, institutional policies, denial, and the lack of personal direction were listed as obstacles to seeking mental health services by clients and family members. Study results suggested that the perceptions of traditional and nontraditional obstacles and resources by Mexican American clients and family members continue to strongly influence utilization of mental health services In particular, the issue of "stigma" and the personal qualities and abilities of the therapist emerged as significant descriptors in client and family member self statements.

During the last 50 years, there has been a transfer of care for individuals living with mental disorders from predominately institutional settings to predominately community settings. The purpose of this research was to document the closure of Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC) and to look at long-term outcomes for discharged individuals. These objectives were met by interviewing key people involved in the closure and through analysis of administrative data. To support individuals after BMHC closed, new services were developed in four priority areas: adult inpatient and crisis response services, adult rehabilitation and consumer support services, psychogeriatric services, and child and adolescent services. Visits to a general practitioner for a mental disorder by individuals discharged from BMHC decreased significantly over the follow-up period while visits to a psychiatrist increased significantly. Mortality rates, physician visits, and hospital admissions were higher in former BMHC residents than in a matched cohort.

The basic purpose of the study was to examine the effects of intake interviews an the anxiety and depression of clients. It was hypothesized that intake interviews would reduce symptomology, as it has been shown that even brief interactions with clinicians can be beneficial. Gender of both client and counselor were also examined for main effects and/or interactions. No difference in symptomology based on gender of client or counselor was anticipated.Two hundred ninety-nine adult out-patients of a university training practicum clinic were administered anxiety and depression inventories either before or after intake interviews. Intake interviews were performed by doctoral or masters level students assigned to fellowship duties at the clinic.The intake interview consisted of two parts. The First part was the gathering of relevant demographic information and questions which solicited information about the problems clients were experiencing which prompted the need For counseling. The second part of the intake consisted of a testing battery composed of the Beck Depression Inventory (SDI), Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale CTSCS). Only the BDI and State component of the STAI were used in the study.Each of the parts in the intake took approximately 45 minutes to complete. Intakes were scheduled in two-hour time blocks which allowed sufficient time For completion of the entire intake. The experimental manipulation was accomplished by having counselors alternate the order of the interview and assessment battery.The design of the study was a 2 x 2 x 2 (order of interview/assessment battery, client gender, counselor gender). Analysis of the data was performed using a Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) procedure.There were no significant results for any of the BDI score analyses, and only one significant result For the STAI score analyses. The intake interview was not found to affect the anxiety or depression of clients, failing to support the main hypothesis of the study. Depression and anxiety were also not affected by client gender. However, anxiety was significantly lower for clients of Female vs. male counselors. Depression was not affected. No interactions were found to be significant. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services