Using the Triage Assessment Form

Using the Triage Assessment Form

After reading the case examples in the Myer and Conte (2006) article in Unit 3, you have a better understanding of how to use one type of assessment tool. The Triage Assessment system is a widely effective tool to use for a crisis intake session to determine the presenting issue and impact on the client’s life. For this assignment, use the Unit 5 Assessment Template [DOCX], which is linked in the assignment Resources. (The Triage Assessment Form is included in the Template.) The most current version of this form is also shown in your James and Gilliland (2017) text, Chapter 3. Use the form to analyze one of the following cases, either Alexa or Jordan.

Rate the selected client in each of the three domains (affective, behavioral, and cognitive) using the Severity Scale included with each domain on the Triage Assessment Form (TAF) and total the scores. Describe, in detail, the rationale for your ratings in each domain, including your judgment about how intense and directive the treatment should be based upon the total score. Consider the client’s age and culture in your assessment, as well.

In your discussion of your rationale, summarize diagnostic skills and techniques that can be used to screen for addiction, aggression, abuse, and danger to self and others, as you note these risks in your selected client. Similarly, a possible co-occurring mental disorder (such as substance abuse) may become apparent during a crisis or other trauma-causing event that ties in with your assessment during the client’s intake. Note this in your rationale to address the impact of possible crisis and trauma on individuals with mental health diagnoses.

Assignment Objectives

To successfully complete this assignment, you will be expected to:

Complete the Triage Assessment Form appropriately for the selected case (reminder: the form is included in the assignment template), including all three domains and the total score, with clinical descriptions to guide the course of treatment by evaluating the domain ratings with a logical and articulate rationale of key elements of the crisis, disaster, or trauma-causing events, including the nature of the crisis and associated risks, and client and counselor safety.

Summarize diagnostic skills and techniques that can be used to screen for addiction, aggression, abuse, and danger to self and others, as you describe these risks in your client.

Note a co-occurring mental disorder (such as substance abuse, anxiety, or depression), which may become apparent during a crisis, disaster, or other trauma-causing event that ties in with your assessment during the selected client’s crisis.

Differentiate characteristics of crisis states versus developmentally appropriate reactions to life obstacles and crisis assessment and intervention strategies for diverse populations.

Exhibit proficiency in effective, credible academic writing, and critical thinking skills.

Reminder: Use the Unit 5 Assignment Template [DOCX] to complete this assignment. This template, which includes the Triage Assessment Form, will help you to present criteria in an organized way. The headings guide you to the criteria, and the details that are included describe what is necessary to complete the assignment to a Distinguished degree.

Cases
Alexa

Alexa, a 17-year-old Hispanic female, ran away from home. The police returned her to her home, but within a week Alexa had attempted suicide by taking her father’s prescription medication for high blood pressure. Alexa had been showing signs of depression and was seen for mental health counseling a year previously for eight sessions. After receiving counseling, Alexa withdrew and stated that she felt unuseful at home and unwelcome at school. Feelings of worthlessness and anger arose periodically when her parents tried to engage her about school events. Alexa had several close friends and one young man she called her “beau,” though she claimed there was no serious intimacy between them. She refused to return to counseling sessions, saying that the time was better spent talking with her friends. She complained that her parents were too strict with curfew times and asked too many questions. In the past week, Alexa was discovered to have skipped two days of school and refused to tell her parents where she had been. Alexa’s mother found a bottle of pills and a bottle of vodka in her room.

Jordan

Jordan arrived at counseling because her friend, who has been worried about her for some time, insisted that she see a counselor. Jordan stated that her husband, Jake, left the house earlier that day in an agitated mood and with his rifle, and tearfully disclosed concerns about her safety and his. Jordan said she was surprised at Jake’s abrupt departure because she was unaware of any plans he had to go hunting, so she did not know why he would take his gun in the truck. She recalled that she and Jake had fought the previous night over his drinking. Jordan reported that she had asked Jake to stop drinking so much, and in response, he threatened her and slammed a few doors. She added that Jake said he liked being a little drunk and pushed her back against the kitchen counter at one point. When Jake went back into a spare bedroom to sleep that night, Jordan found numerous beer bottles in the den and a large empty whiskey bottle in front of his truck. Jordan met Jake in the kitchen for coffee this morning, and he was still quite angry about her accusation that he was drinking too much. After he left, Jordan reported that she began shaking. She felt fear for her own safety, so she called her friend who insisted that she speak to a counselor. While Jordan was on her way to counseling, her husband called her. He seemed oddly calm, asked about her day, and said nothing about the previous night or his abrupt departure this morning. Jordan stated that this switch in mood from extreme aggression to a pleasant tone “seemed weird.” Jordan asked for help in dealing with her husband’s confusing behaviors. She fears for her own safety and the safety of her husband, but is unwilling to call the police. As she spoke, she was agitated and continually looked over at the doorway, as though expecting it to burst open.

Requirements

Content: Prepare a comprehensive paper that includes all elements described.

Components: The paper must include a title page, abstract, and reference list.

Written communication: Develop accurate written communication and thoughts that convey the overall goals of the project and do not detract from the overall message.

APA formatting: Resources and citations must be formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.

Number of pages: Use the Unit 5 Assignment Template [DOCX] in the Resources. The body of the paper should fall within 3–5 pages of text, excluding title page and reference list. Be sure to include the pages of the Triage Assessment Form.

Number of resources: Minimum of 4 current resources, published within the last 10 years, and you may include your text as one.

Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point.