Case Study 3 — Frank: Practicing Psychology
Frank is a licensed psychologist in a new solo private practice. He’s having trouble attracting clients with health insurance, which is needed to pay for his considerable professional fees. Because Frank has expensive office overhead and a limited practice, he is anxious about being able to pay his bills and maintain his practice. He knows private practice can be challenging, but he is proud to be able to tell his friends and colleagues that he is a successful psychologist in private practice.
Frank has all of his clients complete psychological tests to objectively measure their symptoms. A new client shares thoughts and feelings of helplessness and the need for support from others, which, on the surface, sounds like Major Depression, a condition that would be covered by his health insurance. He also meets all the criteria for Dependent Personality Disorder, a pervasive condition that is difficult to treat &mdash and is not covered by his health insurance.
Frank concludes his new client’s initial session with his diagnosis and treatment plan.
Frank: “The good news is that I think I know what is going on with you and I have a way for us to move forward together.”
Eduardo: “Good! I’ve been so confused for so long about what is happening to me. No one else has been able to help, so this is encouraging. I really need your help, Dr. Frank.”
Frank: “Yes, I’m just the person to help you. For our purposes, we will treat your condition as Major Depression.”
Eduardo: “You mean I’m just depressed? I can take a pill and get better?”
Frank: “Not exactly. There’s more here than just a simple case of depression. You have some other symptoms that would not benefit from medication. We’ll also do individual psychotherapy. It may take some time working together for you to feel better.”
Eduardo: “Great! Whatever you think is best, Dr. Frank, as long as my insurance can pay for the therapy.”
Frank: “Yes, your insurance will pay for treatment of depression.”
Frank and his client each give a sigh of relief.
2. In your paper, include the following:
Summarize the case study.
Describe credible and scholarly sources relevant to a particular theory.
Apply self regulation theory to case study.
Explain how social psychological research studies relate to self regulation theory.
Apply incrementalism concept to case study.
Apply clarity concept to case study.
