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Journal Entry
In the beginning of this clinical practicum one of my goals were to “familiarize myself
different mental health diagnosis in children and adolescent population.” I was able to achieve
this goal by working with my preceptor to go over specific diagnosis for children and adolescent
and how it differs from adult population. The DSM V manual was utilized to aide in
appropriately diagnosing these population. Another one of my goals were to “confidently utilize
proper screening tools to help diagnose patients.” My preceptor was able to provide me
appropriate screening tools for each new patient intake that we had during this clinical
practicum. Although, we only had a handful of new patient intakes throughout this clinical
experience. My last goal was to “sharpen my skills in doing MSE’s.” I was able to achieve this
goal by doing MSE’s independently while my preceptor observed, and she gave me feedback
after the interview.
Three challenging patients
The first of my challenging patient was the one who refused to be interviewed due to her
psychotic episode. The patient refused to answer questions appropriately during the interview
so it was difficult to get any information that will help with her diagnosis. Another patient that I
found challenging was a patient who was depressed due to losing his wife and was hopeless and
helpless but refused to take any medications and refused to go to therapy. And lastly, the patient
that I had who reported that he was being molested by his family member, but he was afraid to
report it to the police due to fear of retaliation from family members.
I learned from this practicum experience that it is important to utilize technological
advantages such as genetic testing to help appropriately prescribe medications for each patient. I
also learned that providers need to diagnose and prescribe medications for patients to due
