ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces people to the world of case conceptualization and how it relates to formal client diagnostic systems such as the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 provides guidelines allowing investigating client's concerns in order to make an accurate diagnosis. It represents a common language for all mental health clinicians allowing better communication between and among professionals. One of the most important aspects of DSM-5 is the focus on the client's cultural experience. The Cultural Foundations Index (CFI) is an assessment designed to collect cultural information that is important in understanding a client's beliefs that may have an impact on diagnosis and treatment. Many clinicians use the DSM-5 and its criteria to indicate severe pathologies such as personality disorders. Two of the best personality instruments designed to measure psychopathology are the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-IV (MCMI-IV) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Instrument-2 (MMPI-2).
