| Abstract: | Although not a formal psychometric instrument, the mental status examination (MSE) has been used predominantly in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and social work for several decades, but is being increasingly used by counselors in work settings requiring assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. The MSE is used to obtain information about the client's level of functioning and self‐presentation. Generally conducted (formally or informally) during the initial or intake interview, the MSE can also provide counselors with a helpful format for organizing objective (observations of clients) and subjective (data provided by clients) information to use in diagnosis and treatment planning. |
