Social Skills in Mental Health Care: Assessment, Treatment Planning and Focused Strategy Planning

Running Head: SOCIAL SKILLS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

SOCIAL SKILLS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE1
Assessment
Bio-psychosocial Assessment
The bio-psychosocial assessment defines the various factors that includes biological,
social, psychological and cultural factors that are related to Sanjeev. As a therapist my role
will be to include all the factors and give suggestion to Sanjeev so that the he can undergo the
required diagnosis.
Biological Factors
From the case study it is very clear that Sanjeev was suffering from trauma and threat
of life that is badly affecting his life. As the risk factors that are associated with Sanjeev
involve depression, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder which can be mitigated by the use
of social gatherings as they feel left out of the society and thus such gatherings can be helpful
for them. The other risk factors that are associated with gay men are the more use of illegal
drugs and a higher risk of suicide. Thus as a therapist I will suggest that the assessment
should involve the family and should make them understand about the relationship. The
rationale behind this is that Sanjeev will be able to cope with the hostile situations in his life
and his family will also start valuing his relation and will stop forcing him to marry a woman.
These aspects will help to reduce the stress that is being faced by Sanjeev and he will be
much more comfortable in his immediate surroundings.
Social Factors
As Sanjeev is gay he has to face a lot of stigma and atrocities from the society and
that has created a sense of dissatisfaction and disgust about himself and also for the society. I
had suggested Sanjeev that he should interact and take part in activities in the community in
order to develop a sense of belongingness. This will also help him to make some new friends
in Australia as he is very lonely there and as an Indian he was not sure about his security and

SOCIAL SKILLS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE2
the rejection from the tribunal made him much more insecure about his life and thus, it is
important for me to talk about this aspect of the client as well. This can be done by referring
the client to various social groups that involve a large number of diverse people that will help
Sanjeev to develop a sense of cultural competence and will also help him to generate self-
confidence.
Cultural Factors
Sanjeev came to Australia from India and thus after coming to Australia he was
feeling very culturally incompetent. This was due to the facts that he was not able to adjust
with the differences in language, ethnicity, race and religion. He was feeling very out of place
and when he came to me for counselling he said that he was very scared to stay in Australia.
Another cultural difference faced by Sanjeev was due to the fact that his family was putting
pressure for marrying a woman and he was unable to tell his family about his sexual
orientation. This was not possible for him as his family will not accept the fact and this
creating extra burden on the mind of Sanjeev. Thus, as a therapist my advice to Sanjeev will
be to talk to some friend or family member who will understand his situation and will also
support him through the entire journey.
Psychological Factors
The psychological factors are the most important element of the assessment as they
determine the mental health status of the client. He was suffering from the risk factors that
are associated with Sanjeev involve depression, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder which
can be mitigated by the use of social gatherings as they feel left out of the society and thus
such gatherings can be helpful for them. The other risk factors that are associated with gay
men are the more use of illegal drugs and a higher risk of suicide.