ABSTRACT
Case conceptualizations provide clinicians with a coherent treatment strategy for planning and focusing treatment interventions in order to increase the likelihood of achieving treatment goals. A moderate-level case conceptualization is recognized by the following characteristics. Similar to the highly competent conceptualization, it addresses diagnostic, clinical, cultural, and treatment formulation questions. Low-level case conceptualizations are characterized by deficits in several respects. Case conceptualization is among the most important competencies that mental health professionals are increasingly expected to master. Incorporating competency in case conceptualization in a graduate program provides trainees with the opportunity to demonstrate the capacity to integrate theory and practice, which may be the most elusive programmatic goal of therapy training. Professional accrediting organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, broadly support case conceptualization in training programs and everyday practice.
