Evaluation of a clients current mental functioning

Combined with other information to arrive at formal diagnosis

Behavioral Aspects

Physical characteristics (ethnicity, cleanliness, weight, dress--age and setting appropriateness)

Communication barriers

Alertness

Movement and activity (tension, perseverative movements, non-goal-directed behaviors, itching/picking)

Facial expressions and continuity with words

Eye contact

Speech patterns (articulation, stuttering, mumbling, baby-talk, use of cultural dialects)

Attitude toward therapist

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