Initial Assessment Note for Couples Therapy Template

Client Information:
- Client Names: John and Mary Smith
- Provider Name: Dr. Thomas Kelly
- Date of Service: 1 November 2024
- Session Duration: 60 minutes
Session Summary:
This was the first intake session for a married couple experiencing communication difficulties and frequent disputes. Objectives were established to enhance communication and conflict resolution abilities. CBT and Gottman techniques were introduced.
Consent: The therapist discussed confidentiality, its limitations, and fees. Clients signed informed consent forms acknowledging their understanding of the policies.
Presentation:
Chief Complaint:
The couple reported issues with ineffective communication, frequent disagreements, and challenges in resolving marital disputes.
Impairments and Challenges:
Frequent disagreements are leading to reduced satisfaction and intimacy in the relationship.
Communication Patterns:
The couple reports frequent misunderstandings and interruptions during conversations.
Conflict Resolution:
Clients describe frequent intense arguments that escalate rapidly and often remain unresolved.
Psychological Factors:
- Family Mental Health History: No notable family mental health history reported.
- Previous Mental Health Treatments: No prior mental health treatments reported.
- Previous Mental Health Assessments: No previous mental health assessments reported.
Symptoms:
Symptom Description: Frequent intense arguments with ineffective communication.
Biological Factors:
- Family Medical History: No significant family medical history reported.
- Medical Conditions: Both clients report good physical health.
- Sleep: Both clients report sufficient sleep patterns.
- Nutrition: Both clients maintain a healthy diet.
- Physical Activity: Both clients participate in regular physical activity.
- Sexual Activity: Concerns about reduced intimacy.
- Substances: No substance use reported.
Social Factors:
- Work or School: Both clients report high stress levels at work.
- Relationships: Tense relationship dynamics with extended family.
- Recreation: Enjoy hiking and reading together.
- Family Social History: Both clients come from supportive family backgrounds.
- Other Relevant Social Factors: Active in community events.
- Physical Intimacy: Reduced satisfaction in physical intimacy.
Clinical Assessment:
- Clinical Conceptualization: Frequent conflict worsened by ineffective communication and lack of conflict resolution skills. Both clients seem motivated to enhance their relationship.
- Diagnosis 1: Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, DSM-5 Code: 309.28, ICD-10 Code: F43.23, due to stress from marital conflicts.
- Comorbidity: No comorbid diagnoses at this time.
- Assessment Tool: Clinical interview only.
- Results: Signs of stress and anxiety related to marital issues.
Mental Status Exam:
- Mood and Affect: John appeared anxious, Mary appeared frustrated.
- Speech and Language: Both clients' speech was clear and coherent.
- Thought Process and Content: Logical and goal-directed thought processes.
- Orientation: Oriented to person, place, and time.
- Perceptual Disturbances: No perceptual disturbances reported.
- Cognition: Cognitive functioning within normal limits.
- Insight: Both clients demonstrated insight into the relationship dynamics.
Risk Assessment:
- Risks or Safety Concerns: No immediate risks reported.
- Hopelessness: No expressions of hopelessness.
- Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts: No reports of suicidal ideation.
- Self-Harm: No evidence or reports of self-harm.
- Dangerous to Others: No indications of danger to others.
- Safety Plan: No safety plan indicated.
Strengths and Resources:
- Internal Strengths: Strong commitment to improving their relationship.
- External Resources: Supportive network of friends and family.