This paper will present a report on an intake interview provided by O’Connor (2015). The client is a 20-year-old man named Nick, who comes from Franklin, Massachusetts. He studies communications at Immanuel College and is employed in three jobs. He has two married parents, and his marital status is single. He presented to the interview as concerned over his feeling isolated since the beginning of the year.
Biological Assessment
The patient denies any current or past medical problems, medication use, or hospitalizations. The patient does not report any sleep problems and states that, although he often has five hours of sleep, he considers it enough and does not feel exhausted in the mornings. As for the family health history, the patient reveals that his grandfather has early-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. The patient reports that he is not aware of the other family members’ health issues.
Psychological Assessment
At the assessment, the patient was dressed appropriately and showed no tattoos, scars, or piercing on his body. He presented in a euthymic mood and an alert state of mind. He answered all the questions in a polite manner and demonstrated good memory and remote recall. The patient stated that he was concerned about his not feeling like himself lately. He said that going out with his friends and attending parties was an important part of his identity, but he tended to isolate himself from his friends since September.
The patient mentions his previous psychological treatment history: he was in therapy in his high school years. The reason for attending therapy was that he was bullied by his best friends. The patient denies any trauma or major life events that could have influenced his mental well-being. However, he reports that his friend with borderline personality disorder with obsessive-compulsive tendencies had made three suicide attempts, and the patient had to encourage this friend to get psychological help. Although the patient does not consider this event traumatic, he admits that it has influenced his personality.
Social Assessment
The patient has two living parents and is an only child in the family. He describes his family as passive-aggressive and reports that he does not know much about his parents because they have not revealed details about themselves. The patient also notes that he was not allowed to meet his two uncles from his mother’s side. The patient says that his parents’ secrecy does not disturb him, but he himself tries to be open to others and expects the same from other people.
The patient appears sociable, as he reports that he has many friends. The patient also notes that the number of his friends overwhelms him, but he considers it a positive aspect of his life because he likes people. He states that he does not have a romantic relationship and does not consider it a problem. The patient reports that his previous relationship ended because he felt that the other party was not committed to that relationship.
The patient reports that he is successful in his college education and attributes his success to his specific note-taking method. He is also employed in three jobs: he works as an administrative orientation leader on campus, has the position of a front desk agent at the Revere hotel, and does visuals for a retailer club. The patient reports that his psychological well-being worsened in September when he got a job at the hotel and assumed a leadership position.
Potential Risks for Danger
The patient denies having suicidal thoughts or attempts; he also characterizes himself as a person for whom it takes a long time to become angry. The patient describes himself as sensitive and states that this fact was used against him in high school when he was chosen as a victim of bullying. In terms of substance use, the patient admits having used cocaine once and marijuana for three months in high school but says that he did not like it. In addition, the patient drinks alcohol, mainly vodka, and he reports that he drank much the previous year but reduced his consumption this year because of decreased excitement from alcohol and financial issues. He also states that he smokes tobacco when he drinks, and the dose is usually one or two cigarettes per occasion.
Overall Goals
The patient presented to the session because he felt that he had put himself in isolation, although he had a large number of friends. The patient states that going out with friends and visiting parties are an essential part of his identity, so he would like to restore his identity. Hence, the overall goal of the therapy is to help the patient feel reconnected and restore his interest in social interactions. In addition, the patient reports that he has a difficult time having to study in college and work. He admits that being halfway through college is frightening; therefore, another goal could be for the patient to acquire coping skills to address academic stress.
Client’s Strengths and Available Resources
The client reports that he has strong time management and prioritizing skills, which help him to find a balance between work and studies. Another patient’s strength is the ability to get along with others and build relationships since the patient states that he likes people and is willing to open himself to them. The resources available to the client include financial and social resources. In terms of finances, the patient reports that he has no financial difficulties due to his work. Regarding social support, the patient has a large network of friends who can provide empathy, caring, and advice in difficult situations.
Reference
O’Connor, D. (2015). Sample intake interview [Video]. YouTube. Web.