9/23/26 Lecture - Mental Health, Therapeutic Approaches, and Clinical Assessment

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Mental Health, Therapeutic Approaches, and Clinical Assessment

Time | Sep 23, 2026 6:22 PM

Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rR5iXa4Z6tWxAV2bIbW2W1FmuMdIf3Cv/view?usp=sharing 

Take the PHQ-9 (Patient Depression Questionnaire)

Lecture and Video Playlist: 

15 Psychological Disorders Playlist
--- Postpartum Depression Playlist
--- Adverse Childhood Experiences Playlist

16 Therapy and Treatment Playlist

Hawkes TV - Psychology

Mental Health and Self Care

Summary

  • Overview of upcoming assignments, including a documentary reaction paper and a provider search task.

  • Explanation of the PHQ-9 as a screening tool for depression and the importance of professional assessment versus self-diagnosis.

  • Discussion of severe attachment disorders and the impact of early childhood trauma on behavior and development.

  • Exploration of various therapeutic modalities, including humanistic, Gestalt, and rational-emotive approaches.

  • Analysis of the role of creative and alternative therapies (e.g., equine therapy, gardening) in mental health management.

  • Examination of cognitive dissonance as a source of psychological tension and potential pathways for resolution.

Keywords

  • "PHQ-9", "OCD", "Attachment Disorder", "Cognitive Dissonance", "Psychotherapy", "Equine Therapy", "Gestalt Therapy", "Mental Health Stigma"

Lecture notes

✓ Clinical Assessment and Screening

  • PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment; it identifies potential symptoms of depression.

  • Scores range from 0-27; higher scores indicate a need for professional evaluation.

  • Distinction between 'killing' and 'murder' often involves legal and moral context, such as self-defense or insanity pleas.

✓ Therapeutic Modalities

  • Humanistic Therapy (Carl Rogers): Focuses on unconditional positive regard and non-judgmental support.

  • Gestalt Therapy (Fritz Perls): Challenges clients to stop 'gameplaying' and confront the reality of their behaviors.

  • Rational Emotive Therapy (Albert Ellis): Focuses on identifying and correcting irrational thought patterns.

  • Alternative Therapies: Equine therapy (biofeedback through animal interaction) and creative outlets like gardening or cooking.

✓ Psychological Concepts

  • Cognitive Dissonance: The tension created when an individual's behaviors do not align with their values or self-expectations.

  • Resolutions to Dissonance: Changing behavior, changing belief systems, or ignoring the problem (which often increases anxiety).

  • Attachment Disorders: Severe early childhood trauma can lead to a lack of conscience or empathy, requiring specialized intervention.

Review questions

What is the primary difference between a screening tool like the PHQ-9 and a clinical diagnosis?

  • Clinical Assessment and Screening > PHQ-9

According to the lecture, what are the three main ways individuals resolve cognitive dissonance?

  • Psychological Concepts > Cognitive Dissonance

Advanced questions

How might the 'quality time' vs. 'quantity time' debate in child development influence the long-term emotional stability of children, particularly in the context of attachment?

Evaluate the ethical implications of using 'shock' or 'invasive' historical treatments (like lobotomies) versus modern pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.

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