NR 305 Week 4 Discussion: Community Access to Mental Health Services
NR 305 Week 4 Discussion
Access to mental health services is a hot topic in U.S. Healthcare. Do you know what resources are available for clients seeking care in your own community? Select one mental health related condition from the list below. Conduct a web search to identify health care services within your community aimed specifically at addressing this condition.
Choose one:
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Opioid addiction
Answer the following questions in your post:
- When reviewing a client’s health history and physical examination record, what are some findings (subjective and objective) that may indicate a need for further in-depth assessment for the condition you selected above?
- Describe a focused specialty assessment tool you could use to screen the client for this condition.
- What resources did you find in your community that address this issue? What type of services do they provide? Were there specific resources or services you were hoping to locate, and could not? Please explain
NR 305 Week 4 Discussion Answer
Mental health assessment is a comprehensive process that involves the systematic gathering of subjective and objective data to facilitate accurate diagnosis and the formulation of an effective treatment care plan (Weber & Kelley, 2018). When diagnosing depression, particular emphasis is placed on evaluating presenting symptoms, primarily derived from subjective data.
Key indicators necessitating thorough assessment include persistent feelings of sadness or depressed mood lasting for at least two weeks, a diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, unexplained changes in appetite and weight, disruptions in sleep patterns such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, increased fatigue or loss of energy, engagement in purposeless activities, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness, difficulties with concentration and memory, and the presence of suicidal thoughts or ideation (Fekadu, Shibeshi, & Engidawork, 2017).
It is imperative that these symptoms persist for a minimum of two weeks for a conclusive diagnosis. bjective evaluation involves employing standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to corroborate the subjective data gathered during the mental health assessment (Weber & Kelley, 2018). This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s mental health status, contributing to a more accurate diagnosis and the development of an individualized and effective treatment plan. By combining both subjective and objective data, healthcare professionals can enhance the precision of their diagnostic decisions and tailor interventions that address the unique needs of each individual in their care.
