Diagnostic Systems and Their Use

Abstract

Diagnosis is an essential tool of the mental health counselor. According to Hinkle (1994b, p. 174), “At the foundation of effective mental health care is the establishment of a valid psychodiagnosis.” The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (1995, p. 36) states, “Counselors take special care to provide proper diagnosis of mental disorders.” The message in these statements is supported by practice. In a nationwide survey of certified clinical mental health counselors (Mead, Hohenshil, & Singh, 1997, p. 394), 91% indicated that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is their “most frequently used professional reference.” Most of those surveyed viewed themselves as skilled in the use of the DSM and believed they were usually able to make an accurate diagnosis.