Psychology Intake Question Paper

Does the intake form ask all of the necessary questions to determine what the client’s presenting problem is?

I chose to use an intake questionnaire for a psychology clinic in my area. I feel this intake questionnaire asks the necessary questions to determine their symptomology is and to get a better idea of the struggles the have been having recently. One of the first questions on this intake form states, “Describe your reason(s) for seeking assistance.” This question identifies the most important reason for the individual seeking help. I like how it is an open-ended question, so the client can feel the freedom to explain exactly what it is which brought them to seek assistance. The form asks for detail about when the issues began and what the client has already tried to help with these symptoms. A few pages later, on the form it asks the client to identify all of the symptoms they have been struggling with by checking the boxes next to the symptoms. I feel this is a very simple and easy way for the client to feel comfortable identifying their struggles. This also gives the clinician an idea of what to expect when meeting

There is space for writing in answers, although most answers can be written in with one word or by checking a box. This makes it more simple for clients to complete and easier for clerical staff and clinicians to read. If there was more room made available for answers it would make the form longer and may feel overwhelming for a client to complete.

Should the intake be re-formatted so it is easier to read? Why? The feel the formatting of this intake form is easy to read and neat. There is plenty of room for answers and the font is large enough to be easily read. There is not areas on the form where sentences are cut off or structural issues with the formatting. The spacing of everything is consistent and it looks neat.

What would you include? What would you remove?