Therapy Technician Interview Questions

Before receiving mental health therapy, clients and patients undergo an intake and assessment questionnaire, sometimes referred to as the biopsychosocial assessment. Much of this assessment is recorded on paper by the patient. However, therapy technicians are often employed to conduct or assist with the assessment via an interview. The answers recorded will help the therapist determine the best course of action.

Presenting Symptoms

• The therapy technician logs the presenting symptoms on the intake form. While patients may have difficulty describing the symptoms, the interview questions and intake form are categorized. For example, interviewers will inquire further if the patient notes symptoms related to depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in pleasurable activities or irrational guilt. The number of symptoms and duration are also noted so that the therapist can make a provisional diagnosis.

Mental Health History

• Mental health history lets the technician and therapist know if any prior diagnosis contributes to the presenting symptoms. If the current reported symptoms are similar to a past diagnosis, the technician will ask about the last time treatment was prescribed and if the patient has been following the treatment plan. A history of previously prescribed and current medications is also important so that therapists can consider it before prescribing or recommending any future ones. Mental health history also includes family history. Families with historical bipolar disorder diagnoses may indicate higher probabilities of a current disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Demographics and Billing

• Therapy technicians will inquire about the patient's demographics and current living situation. Demographic information may be used to determine whether or not the local community is a contributor to the presenting problem. These questions include race, ethnicity, employment history, financial status, marital status and criminal history. They also include insurance and billing information so that therapists can configure a pay rate based on financial status and number of sessions that will be covered.

Medical History and Substance Abuse

• Medical conditions and substance abuse can influence presenting symptoms. Cancer patients may have feelings of depression due to extensive chemotherapy or a terminal diagnosis. Substance abuse of marijuana or cocaine may induce feelings of paranoia, while psychedelic substance abuse can induce psychotic or manic behavior. Even if the patient is not currently abusing, therapist technicians may ask about sobriety periods because presenting symptoms may be typical in stages of recovery.