ABSTRACT
Sara, a licensed psychologist, got a call from a potential assessment client. The man on the phone said his therapist suggested he seek an assessment to better understand some of his “relationship issues.” During this initial conversation, he described himself as a White male in his 30s with a Master’s degree who is conservative and religious. He went on to express his concern about “the terrible state of our society.” When Sara asked for clarification, he explained that “certain groups were taking over,” “we are killing unborn babies,” and “White Christians need to arm themselves and make America right again.” Sarah, a White female in her 30s who happens to be an unwavering Democrat who believes in pro-choice, pro-immigration, and equality, and had recently participated in a rally protecting the rights of Muslim Americans, was hesitant. Was this man displaying paranoia and his opinions part of a potential psychiatric diagnosis, or are those his sincere views on the world? If the latter was the case, would she be able to administer, score, interpret, integrate, write a report, and provide feedback without significant bias? Would she end up in a heated political discussion during testing sessions? Even if such verbalizations were indeed “symptoms,” and regardless of her clinical expertise, is she the right fit for this client?
