The Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis

discuss the following:

1. Define psychiatric interview and its importance to the psychiatric nurse practitioner’s role.

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.  Your initial post is worth 8 points.
• Late work policies, expectations regarding proper citations, acceptable means of responding to peer feedback, and other expectations are at the discretion of the instructor.
• You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.

Phases and Critical Tasks of the Initial Interview

The initial psychiatric interview typically unfolds in three phases: introduction, working phase, and termination   .Each phase has distinct tasks that guide the interaction.

1. Introduction Phase:
   The PMHNP begins by introducing themselves, clarifying their role, and establishing the purpose of the session. Confidentiality and its limits should be explained at this stage. Building rapport is critical; empathy, non judgmental language, and active listening help to put the patient at ease. The clinician also assesses immediate safety concerns such as suicidal or homicidal ideation. APA

2. Working Phase:
   During this phase, the provider elicits a comprehensive history. Key components include the chief complaint, history of present illness, psychiatric and medical history, family history, substance use history, and psychosocial background. The mental status examination (MSE) is also performed here, evaluating the patient’s appearance, mood, affect, thought processes, cognition, and insight. In addition to symptom elicitation, the PMHNP must explore risk factors (e.g., trauma, substance use, family psychiatric illness) and protective factors.

3. Termination Phase:
   In the closing portion of the interview, the PMHNP summarizes findings, validates what the patient has shared, and outlines next steps such as diagnostic impressions, treatment recommendations, or referrals. Providing space for questions ensures patient involvement and enhances adherence.