The purpose of this assignment is to encourage deep reflection on the process of diagnosing clients with major mental illnesses. As you advance in your social work career, understanding how to navigate the complexities of diagnosis will be essential to providing high-quality care.

Before you write your reflection:

Review relevant sections from your textbooks, the current DSM, and/or recent literature on diagnosing major mental illnesses.
Consider reviewing guidelines from professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Rely on any recent experiences in your field placement that may inform your understanding.
Reflect on Diagnosing Major Mental Illness:

Compose a reflection paper of 900-1,000 words that integrates your thoughts on the following:

Reflect on any recent experiences in your field placement that informs your understanding on the challenges of diagnosing major mental illnesses. Use two to four specific examples or scenarios to illustrate your points if applicable.
Describe the process of evaluating symptomatology and diagnosing clients with major mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder).
Explain two challenges you anticipate when diagnosing major mental illnesses.
Explain how you will ensure that your diagnoses are accurate and respectful of the client’s experiences.
Discuss how a social worker with the Christian worldview would approach challenges when diagnosing major mental illnesses.
Describe what factors might influence your diagnostic process, and how will you address potential biases or uncertainties.
Describe diagnostic tools you would utilize to assess symptomology for mental health treatment. What are the benefits and limitation of the assessment tool (or tools) you choose?