Part A: Biopsychosocial Assessment and Transcript
Presenting Problem
A 16-year-old gay black male presents to therapy with major depression syndrome. The client has been bullied because of his sexuality. He just realized that he failed the 9th grade, so he will have to repeat it when the school resumes back in August. His mother had two back-to-back strokes and is currently in the nursing home, and this is contributing him to having major depressive syndrome. The client only had his two (2) elder brothers and Dad living with him. He is also depressed because his family isn’t financially stable, and he has to wear the same clothes often. He often gets bullied for wearing dirty clothes to school. His Dad is in and out of jail due to drug trafficking. So, it is entirely up to the client to decide whether he goes to school or not.
Developmental History
A 16-year-old gay black male experiences psychological, social, educational, and relational difficulties. Psychologically, the client is disturbed by her Mom’s illness. Since his Mom is in a nursing home, the client is living with his Dad and the two elder brothers. The client has a good relationship with his Dad and brothers and respects them a lot. The client is depressed about failing the 9th grade and the fact that he will be retained to the same grade whenever school starts in August. Besides, the client is unsure whether going back to school in the summer would be affordable. While schooling, the client missed school many days because his mother had multiple conditions. Although his Dad and family protect the client, he is bullied at school for wearing the same dirty clothes more often.
Social and Cultural History/Issues
Various social-cultural issues, such as sexual orientation, social class, household patterns, and family protection present for this client. The 16-year-old black male is gay. His sexual orientation (gay) makes him be bullied. He originates from Black racial groups of Africa. Besides, the client’s family has a low social class, meaning that the client comes from a humble background. This is why he is unsure whether going back to school will be possible, given the cost and the fact that their family might be unable to afford it. The low social class is also seen by the client, stating that he lacks $20 to activate his phone so he can be able to call or text. The client’s household patterns are humble, as his Dad is in and out of jail for drug trafficking. However, the client relates well with the family members who have always been supportive of him. In school, the client is bullied by classmates for his sexual orientation, race, and low social class.
Health History
The client is experiencing both psychological/mental and social health problems. The client’s psychological/mental disorder has been caused by various factors, namely: his mother’s multiple conditions and hospitalization, being bullied for his gay sexual orientation, failing the 9th grade and the fact that he has to repeat and score the six (6) points which he missed for a pass, financial instability of their family, being laughed at for wearing dirty clothes in school most often, and his father having to report in the jail for drug trafficking. In addition, the client worries more about his mother’s condition, whether she will recover, and the fact that he has not talked to her since she was hospitalized at St. Francis. As a result of these issues, the client suffers from major depression syndrome. Counselor help and treatment plan using the client-centred therapy approach is being used to help/treat the client based on the health information she presents with to therapy.
Client Resources
There are various client resources, i.e., supportive family members, school/teachers help, counselor support and help, playing games, playing in the band, and sleeping. The client gets along well with his siblings. The client plays game with the siblings, for example, going in the backyard, playing on the play station (PS), and playing hide and seek. Besides, the client likes playing in the band and plays two instruments, i.e., clarinet and trombone. The other client’s resource is his family members, i.e., Dad, the two elder brothers (Bobby and Johnny), and grandma. They have always made sure he wakes up especially since his Mom (Casandra) got sick. Also, the school and all its environment is another useful resource for the client. The client needs to create a good relationship with teachers, express his problems, and always seek their help. Also, the client mentions sleeping as another resource he uses to avoid depression. Last but not least is the counselor’s intervention, help, and support. The counselor promises to be a resourceful pillar for the client any time need arises.
Case Conceptualization
Upon watching the video, it is apparent that the counselor uses the client-centred therapy approach to treat/help the client. Initially, the client presents to therapy in a state of incongruence. The counselor exhibits congruence by being authentic and genuine, allowing the client to honestly and openly share his thoughts and feelings. Also, the counselor shows unconditional positive regard by accepting who the client is, displaying care and support regardless of what the client experiences, and expressing positive feelings to offer reassurance to the client. Also, the counselor practices active listening, embodies positive body language, and create a good climate for the client to express his concerns. For example, assuring the client that creating positive relations with teachers and family members will work in helping him regain psychosocial strength. Besides, the counselor is empathetic to the client in the entire session as he is sensitive to the client’s viewpoints, feelings, and experiences.
Client “Working Diagnosis” and Treatment Plan
The client’s main problem and diagnosis is major depression syndrome. Based on the client’s presenting concerns, i.e., being bullied for his sexuality, failing the 9th-grade exam, his Mom’s multiple conditions and being hospitalized, lack of money by his family to finance his upkeep and school clothes, and his father being jailed for drug trafficking, the counselor has diagnosed the client with major depression syndrome. The client’s treatment plan would involve therapy, i.e., client-centred therapy. In a client-centred therapy plan, the counselor will be congruent with the client, provide the client with unconditional positive regard, and show empathy by being understanding to the client’s concerns, feelings, viewpoints, and positions.