The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant spike in anxiety and depression — especially grief and loss — worldwide. With most Americans under stay-at-home orders, psychologists are seeking guidance on telehealth to ensure patient access to high-quality care. This guide offers a potential protocol for conducting diagnostic “intake” evaluations for adults with depression and/or anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic. This evidence-based guidance is helpful in interviewing patients for COVID-19 stressors, health behaviors and risk management, health-care access, and family and sociocultural factors.
In addition, there are two clinical templates available for psychologists to use or modify as needed.
- Adult Health History (Word, 27KB) is for the patient to complete before a telehealth session.
- Psychological Diagnostic Assessment (Word, 29KB) is for the clinician to complete during the evaluation with a patient.
Note: Over-arching rules for the assessment is to be genuine, express empathy and don’t over-pathologize.