NCMHCE Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A counselor uses the PHQ-9 during intake. A client scores 18. This score indicates:

Accepted Answer

Moderately severe depression

Answer

PHQ-9 scores of 15–19 indicate moderately severe depression, warranting active treatment planning.

Question 2

During intake, a client discloses ongoing domestic violence at home. The counselor's FIRST clinical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the client's immediate safety

Answer

Before any action, the counselor must assess the client's immediate safety level to guide appropriate next steps.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a specifier used with Major Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

With rapid cycling

Answer

Rapid cycling is a specifier for Bipolar Disorder, not Major Depressive Disorder.

Question 4

A client presents with a 2-year history of depressed mood more days than not, accompanied by poor concentration and low self-esteem. No Major Depressive Episodes are identified. The MOST likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a depressed mood for at least 2 years in adults without meeting full MDD criteria.

Question 5

Which screening tool is MOST appropriate for initial assessment of alcohol use disorder severity?

Accepted Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

The CAGE questionnaire is a validated, brief 4-item tool specifically designed to screen for problematic alcohol use.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3