Clinicians Handbook: Integrated Diagnostics, Assessment, & Intervention in Adult and Adolescent Psychopathology

Parallels the DSMIV very well A good preparation guide for the counselor certification exam.

The Clinician's Handbook is in fact well integrated. Each of the major disorder categories is addressed in general, with detailed discussion of each of it's subtypes. This includes a review of major DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, as well as scale patterns evidenced on major instruments, such as the MMPI-2, 16PF, and MCMI. While the 16PF is given it's own regular section, the MCMI is relegated to the "Other Test-Response Patterns", along with the WAIS-R and other possibly informative instruments. Considering the popularity of the MCMI I feel it should have been given more attention in this text. To the authors credit though it does refer to the updated MCMI-III.The "Treatment Options" sections are well discussed from the point of view of both standard intervention strategies, as well as new concepts and the authors own clinical experience. The authors personal interjections and comments are both lively and appropriate. These treatment options are outlined in general terms, and anyone looking for specific treatment plans will be disappointed. However, as a guide this book is a welcome reference in anyone's collection.A real gem is Meyer's discussion of psychopharmacology, as well as sections looking at malingering, criminal responsibility, and violence potential. Although these sections are not detailed, they do outline current issues and suggest practical clinical practice.