Preface xiii About the Authors xxi Part One: Foundations of Clinical Interviewing 1 Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Clinical Interview 3 Learning Objectives 3 Chapter Orientation 3 Welcome to the Journey 3 What Is a Clinical Interview? 5 Clinical Interviewing versus Counseling and Psychotherapy 7 Multicultural Competencies 13 Multicultural Humility 17 A Learning Model for Clinical Interviewing 25 Chapter Summary 28 Chapter 2: Preparation 31 Learning Objectives 31 Chapter Orientation 31 The Physical Setting 31 Professional and Ethical Issues 38 Multicultural Preparation 55 Stress Management and Self-Care 65 Chapter Summary 68 Chapter 3: An Overview of the Interview Process 71 Learning Objectives 71 Chapter Orientation 71 Stages of a Clinical Interview 71 The Introduction 73 The Opening 84 The Body 90 The Closing 95 Ending the Session (Termination) 104 Chapter Summary 107 Part Two: Listening and Relationship Development 111 Chapter 4: Nondirective Listening Skills 113 Learning Objectives 113 Chapter Orientation 113 Listening Skills 113 Adopting a Therapeutic Attitude 114 Why Nondirective Listening Is Also Directive 123 The Listening Continuum in Three Parts 125 Skills for Encouraging Client Talk 126 Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 142 Not Knowing What to Say 145 Chapter Summary 146 Chapter 5: Directive Listening Skills 149 Learning Objectives 149 Chapter Orientation 149 Skills for Encouraging Insight 150 Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 175 Chapter Summary 178 Chapter 6: Skills for Directing Clients Toward Action 181 Learning Objectives 181 Chapter Orientation 181 Readiness to Change 181 Skills for Encouraging Action 184 Using Educational and Directive Techniques 192 Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 204 Chapter Summary 215 Chapter 7: Evidence-Based Relationships 217 Learning Objectives 217 Chapter Orientation 217 The Great Psychotherapy Debate 217 The Core Conditions 218 Other Evidence-Based Relationship Factors 233 Evidence-Based Cross-Cultural Relationships 250 Chapter Summary 253 Part Three: Structuring and Assessment 255 Chapter 8: Intake Interviewing and Report Writing 257 Learning Objectives 257 Chapter Orientation 257 What’s an Intake Interview? 257 Exploring Client Problems and Goals 259 Obtaining Background and Historical Information 267 Assessment of Current Functioning 276 Brief Intake Interviewing 280 The Intake Report 282 Do's and Don'ts of Intake Interviews with Diverse Clients 298 Chapter Summary 300 Chapter 9: The Mental Status Examination 303 Learning Objectives 303 Chapter Orientation 303 What Is a Mental Status Examination? 303 Individual and Cultural Considerations 305 The Psychiatric Mental Status Examination 308 When to Use Mental Status Examinations 340 Chapter Summary 342 Chapter 10: Suicide Assessment 345 Learning Objectives 345 Chapter Orientation 345 Facing the Suicide Situation 345 Suicide Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs 348 Building a Theoretical and Research-Based Foundation 356 Suicide Assessment Interviewing 360 Suicide Interventions 380 Final Ethical and Professional Issues 385 Chapter Summary 389 Chapter 11: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 393 Learning Objectives 393 Chapter Orientation 393 Modern Diagnostic Classification Systems 393 Defining Mental Disorders 396 Diagnostic Interviewing 404 The Science of Clinical Interviewing 406 Less Structured Diagnostic Clinical Interviews 409 Case Formulation and Treatment Planning 415 Extended Case Example 423 Additional Cultural Modifications and Adaptations 427 Chapter Summary 428 Part Four: Diverse Populations and Situations 431 Chapter 12: Challenging Client Behaviors and Demanding Situations 433 Learning Objectives 433 Chapter Orientation 433 Challenging Clients 433 Motivational Interviewing and Other Strategies 436 Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) and Prediction 451 Demanding Situations: Crisis and Trauma 456 Cultural Competencies in Disaster Mental Health 468 Chapter Summary 470 Chapter 13: Interviewing Young Clients 473 Learning Objectives 473 Chapter Orientation 473 Considerations in Working With Young Clients 473 The Introduction 475 The Opening 479 The Body of the Interview 490 Closing and Termination 503 Culture in Young Client Interviews 506 Chapter Summary 508 Chapter 14: Online and Distance Clinical Interviewing** 553 Learning Objectives 533 Chapter Orientation 553 Technology as an Extension of the Self 554 Definition of Terms and Communication Modalities 557 Distance and Online Assessment and Intervention Research 561 Ethical and Practical Issues: Problems and Solutions 565 Conducting Online or Distance Interviews 573 Culture and Online Culture 575 Chapter Summary 576 Epilogue References 589 Author Index 639 Subject Index 655

An up-to-date and authoritative discussion of how to conduct state-of-the-art clinical interviews Now in its seventh edition, Clinical Interviewing is a comprehensive discussion of the clinical interview in the context of counseling and psychotherapy. In the book, John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan explore the culturally sensitive assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, and interventions required in clinical interviews. This latest edition continues in the Sommers-Flanagan’s tradition of relationally-oriented clinical interviewing; it also includes fresh content, cutting-edge citations, diverse case examples, updated language, and more deeply integrates culture, ethnicities, and diverse representation, while strengthening its evidence-based orientation. Learners will have an engaging reading experience with trusted authors who cover vital content for all mental health professionals. Every chapter contains reformulated and rewritten learner objectives to facilitate active learning accompanied by complementary videos available online. Clinical Interviewing, Seventh Edition also offers: Important information about clinician stress management and self-care, with guidance provided in the chapter covering suicide assessment interviewingExpert guidance on diagnosis and treatment planning, including coverage of modern diagnostic classification systems and definitions of frequently encountered mental disordersFulsome discussions of listening and relationship development, including nondirective and directive listening skills, and skills for directing clients toward action An essential text covering an equally essential topic, Clinical Interviewing is written for aspiring and practicing counselors, psychotherapists and mental health professionals seeking up-to-date guidance on how to conduct a state-of-the-art (and science) clinical interview.

I have been using this splendid book for my first-year course in clinical interviewing in our clinical science program.  The Sommers-Flanagans have produced another edition of their engaging and lucid textbook infused with that rare combination of clinical wisdom and evidence-based knowledge that embodies the scientist-practitioner model and helps students learn both the practice and scientific basis of clinical assessment via interviewing.  I recommend this book both for graduate courses as well as for use by established practitioners who wish to continue honing their skills. Gerald C. Davison, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, University of Southern California, and coauthor of Abnormal Psychology and Clinical Behavior Therapy, and featured in the documentary film, Conversion. I am delighted that John & Rita Sommers-Flanagan are continuing to update Clinical Interviewing; now in its 7th edition!  I used prior editions in my basic practicum courses and found the text to be perfect for training psychotherapists.  The book offers the breadth and depth needed to prepare students for clinical work.  Each chapter is filled with state-of-the-art content and clear examples of clinical interactions that illuminate key points. The video demonstrations cover a wide range of skills and make the content come-to-life.  The chapters on risk assessment and working with kids and teens are especially helpful. Using this book is like having two more instructors for the course and it's a great way to provide students (and their professor) the support they need to accomplish their mutual goals. Heidi Zetzer, Ph.D., Teaching Professor and Director, Carol Ackerman Positive Psychology Clinic, University of California Santa Barbara This state-of-the-art text is a must-read for counselors, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals in any role and setting. The authors provide clear and easy-to-understand evidence-based analyses, discussions, and applications of the clinical interview process with a 21st-century lens.Eddy Fagundo, Eddy Fagundo, Ph.D., CRC, CVE | Senior Manager, Education Content, American Counseling Association I wanted to share my thoughts about the “Clinical Interviewing” book, which I believe is an outstanding resource for Clinical Interview courses in Turkey and worldwide. One particular aspect of this book stands out for me: I’ve been working as a counselor educator for approximately seven years, and one of the greatest challenges in counselor education is helping students grasp the holistic nature of counseling. They may be well-versed in counseling theories, techniques, and the DSM, but often struggle to integrate this knowledge effectively. That’s where this book has proven invaluable. We incorporate this book into our curriculum, especially during the initial weeks of supervision. I particularly admire the chapter titled ‘An Overview of the Interview Process.’ Starting with this book not only in supervision but also in the early stages of various courses, such as counseling with children and adolescents, provides my students with a solid framework within which to contextualize the information they’ll acquire throughout the upcoming weeks. This book provides students with the essential framework for showcasing their counseling skills—where, how, and when to apply them, which makes “Clinical Interviewing” truly unparalleled in its value.Umit Arslan This textbook has been extremely helpful in highlighting how fundamental listening and reflecting is to the human experience. The insightful examples and invitational writing style help to bridge the gap of insecurity that many early students experience. I highly recommend this textbook for early skills courses and as a resource for counselors who find themselves in need of a professional “tune up.”  Carol McGinnis We LOVE this textbook for our Diagnosis course!Meredith Rausch, Ph.D., NCC (She/Her), Associate Professor at Augusta University One of my favorite textbooks from my graduate program and hands down that liking the two of you from this book and the accompanying videos, that it led me to your Strengths Based Suicide training was such a meaningful shift in my thinking and approach that I remain so grateful for. Excited for those who will continue to learn from the two of you!Teresa Prince, LPC, Insights Counseling Center, LLC