How to Work With Depressed Clients

As a medical or mental health clinician, it is important to be professional when dealing with clients, regardless of their diagnosis. Professionalism inspires trust, which helps to build the foundation for a successful working relationship. When working with clients who are depressed, it is important to keep in mind that depression is a condition they have, not who they are. It is also important to be anchored in positivity and optimism, regardless of their prognosis for recovery.

Things You'll Need

• DSM IV TR

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Instructions

How to Work With Depressed Clients

• 1

  Review the client's mental health chart to learn about their history with depression, the nature of their depression, and whether they have had previous bouts with depression. If a chart is not available, contact the doctor who gave them the diagnosis to find out as much information on the client as possible before meeting.

• 2

  Review the chapter in the DSM IV TR on depression prior to meeting with the client. This will serve as a refresher on the condition and its variations. Compare with the client's chart and use the notepad or a computer to take notes on any pieces of information that may be relevant for the meeting; such as questions to ask and additional issues to explore.

• 3

  When meeting with the client, maintain professionalism an air of positivity, and treat the client with respect. This will help to establish the rapport needed to build and sustain a successful working relationship, since one of the key factors of success in therapeutic relationships is the relationship itself. Take notes of their complaints and work with them to devise a treatment plan.

• 4

  It is also important to acknowledge all small victories with praise to reinforce positive behavior. If the client does fall short with meeting a goal, reassurance and reminders that they can try again help to prevent the client from engaging in negative self talk. Excelling the pace of treatment may exacerbate the client's condition by increasing the likelihood of isolation and withdrawal if they fail to meet the expectations of the treatment plan. Instead, meet the client where they are, and go at their pace for the duration of treatment.