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Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Question 6 of 40 for our Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Mental Health Counselor was updated by on June 26th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 6 of 40

How do you initially approach clients with co-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety?

"Every client is different, so I plan to take an individualistic approach. I will encourage my client to recognize specific patterns identified in the past. I will ask them how they feel about their previous diagnosis or other existing conditions. Then, I will ask what aspects of their life they would like to improve the most. This discovery process lays the groundwork for change and encourages a transparent approach to therapy. I believe that by guiding my clients through discovery questions, we can better identify realistic goals and see more consistent results."

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How to Answer: How do you initially approach clients with co-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mental Health Counselor job interview.

  • 6. How do you initially approach clients with co-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety?

      How to Answer

      As a Mental Health Counselor, you know that addressing one mental health condition can be challenging enough. When a client faces more than one diagnosis, the challenge can be far more significant. The interviewer wants to clearly understand your approach when it comes to helping clients with more complex issues. If possible, give the interviewer an example of a client you supported through counseling and explain how your approach was successful.

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Entry Level Example

      "Every client is different, so I plan to take an individualistic approach. I will encourage my client to recognize specific patterns identified in the past. I will ask them how they feel about their previous diagnosis or other existing conditions. Then, I will ask what aspects of their life they would like to improve the most. This discovery process lays the groundwork for change and encourages a transparent approach to therapy. I believe that by guiding my clients through discovery questions, we can better identify realistic goals and see more consistent results."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020

      Answer Example

      "First, I acknowledge the co-existing issues with the client in a warm, understanding, and compassionate manner. Most of my clients are aware that with previous mental health conditions, we must address the full scope of their health before new treatment begins. These clients do not usually have any issues with discussing their full history with me. I make sure to create a safe place for them to discuss their past issues and what is concerning them now. By holding an understanding and approaching their treatment in a non-judgemental way, they feel more encouraged to become active members of their treatment plan and process. Recently, I had a new client come to me who had a previous diagnosis of clinical depression. By openly discussing his condition, how he felt about the diagnosis, and what he was presently doing to improve his symptoms, we were able to create a more appropriate plan for his other condition of severe anxiety. Because I spoke so openly with him about his depression, he was more transparent with me about the other emotional struggles he was facing."

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I have never treated a client with co-existing mental health conditions. My knowledge of such cases may require more intensive treatments than someone with only one of them and may even require long-term assistance. Treating both addiction and mental disorders simultaneously reduces the chance of relapses, such as depression, mood swings, or panic attacks."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      Co-existing mental health conditions are actually pretty common, so the fact that you've never treated a patient with co-existing conditions, despite years of experience, may feel a bit unusual to your interviewer. If you truly have had no experience in this area, I suggest specifically stating what you would do if you were faced with such a patient, as well as what you are currently doing to research and learn more about co-existing mental health conditions.

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