NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A client presents with persistent sadness, anhedonia, sleep disturbances, and reports that symptoms have been present for 3 weeks. Which diagnosis is MOST appropriate at this time?

Accepted Answer

Unspecified Depressive Disorder

Answer

MDD requires symptoms for at least 2 weeks, but since a full diagnostic picture cannot be confirmed without ruling out other conditions, Unspecified Depressive Disorder is used when criteria are nearly but not fully met or information is insufficient.

Question 2

During a clinical intake, a counselor notices a client uses vague language, avoids eye contact, and provides minimal responses. The BEST next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Use open-ended questions and reflective listening to build rapport

Answer

Building rapport through open-ended questions and reflective listening encourages a reluctant client to engage more openly during intake.

Question 3

Which DSM-5 criterion differentiates Bipolar I Disorder from Bipolar II Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Presence of at least one full manic episode in Bipolar I

Answer

Bipolar I requires at least one full manic episode (lasting ≥7 days or requiring hospitalization), while Bipolar II involves hypomanic but not full manic episodes.

Question 4

A counselor is completing a biopsychosocial assessment. Which of the following best represents the 'social' component?

Accepted Answer

Client's current employment status and family support system

Answer

The social component of a biopsychosocial assessment covers environmental factors such as relationships, employment, housing, and support systems.

Question 5

A client reports hearing voices that comment on their behavior and expresses the belief that a TV news anchor is sending them secret messages. These symptoms are MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Third-person auditory hallucinations and ideas of reference are hallmark positive symptoms of Schizophrenia, especially when persistent.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3