This book uses case illustrations and hands-on activities to teach students how to perform differential diagnosis and assessment using the ICD-10-CM.

Competent diagnosis is critical to any therapeutic encounter. It informs the psychologist's approach to his or her client, and helps to ensure competent practice. This book introduces students to the complex process of differential diagnosis using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) -- that is, selecting the most appropriate diagnosis after ruling out all other possibilities, based on the client's overall presentation.

Each chapter in this book presents a detailed case illustration and challenges readers to reach an ICD-10-CM diagnosis by evaluating the client's unique symptoms. These cases also demonstrate how to rule out options using careful, contextually appropriate assessments to arrive at the primary diagnosis. Importantly, chapters review ethical and risk management issues, as well as key considerations for disposition and treatment planning. Hands-on activities provide readers with case-specific questions that experienced clinicians must ask themselves in these situations.
About the Author:

Jack B. Schaffer, PhD, now retired, spent 17 years in independent practice and 16 years as a faculty member in two medical schools and a professional school. His private practice specialized in clinical and neuropsychological assessments and psychotherapy with adults and families. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Dakota and is certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical psychology and clinical health psychology. He is a fellow and past president of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and a past chair of the State of Minnesota Board of Psychology. He currently serves on APA's Commission on Accreditation. Dr. Schaffer's professional interests include psychological assessment, defining and assessing professional competence, and ethical and legal issues. He enjoys woodworking, bicycling, and spending time with his wife, his two children, and four grandchildren.

Emil Rodolfa, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Alliant International University's California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in Sacramento. He received his doctorate from Texas A&M University and was training director and director of the University of California Counseling and Psychological Services before joining the faculty at CSPP. He is the founding editor of Training and Education in Professional Psychology and was associate editor of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Dr. Rodolfa is a fellow of APA, a fellow and past president of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, a board member emeritus and past chair of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers, and a past president of the State of California Board of Psychology. His professional interests include defining and assessing professional competence, ethical and legal issues, supervision and training, college student mental health, and the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing horseshoes, and barbecuing (some might call it grilling) at his cabin in the mountains.