While Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is commonly associated with behavior analysis and interventions, it may not be directly applicable to mental health facilitation or therapy. FBA is primarily used to understand and address challenging behaviors in individuals with developmental or behavioral disorders. However, there are assessment tools and approaches used in mental health facilitation that can help therapists gain a better understanding of a client’s mental health and develop appropriate interventions.
Here are a few examples:
Diagnostic Interviews: Mental health professionals often conduct diagnostic interviews to gather information about a client’s symptoms, history, and current functioning. These interviews, such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID), help establish a diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Mental Health Assessments: Various standardized assessments are available to assess specific mental health conditions. These assessments provide objective measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. Examples include the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, or the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).
Self-Report Measures: Questionnaires and self-report measures can provide valuable insights into a client’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They can assess areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and coping skills. Examples include the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), or the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2).
Functional Analysis: While FBA is more commonly used in behavioral interventions, functional analysis can be adapted to understand the function or purpose of maladaptive thoughts or behaviors in the context of mental health. It aims to identify triggers, antecedents, consequences, and maintaining factors related to problematic thoughts or behaviors.
Narrative Therapy and Collaborative Problem-Solving: These therapeutic approaches focus on understanding a person’s life story, experiences, and belief systems to facilitate positive change. They explore the individual’s strengths, resources, and alternative perspectives to help them construct a more empowering narrative.
It’s essential to work with a qualified mental health professional who can choose and utilize appropriate assessment tools and therapeutic approaches based on your specific needs and goals. They will consider your unique circumstances and tailor interventions to support your mental health and well-being.
Olumuyiwa Fagbohun,
July 2023.