What are the primary aims of the first psychiatric interview? How should the initial interview be organized?

First Psychological Interview Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name January 21, 2024 Understanding how to conduct an effective psychological review is essential for any mental health professional. Specifically, the first psychiatric interview is a pivotal step in mental health care, primarily aiming to establish a therapeutic alliance, assess mental health, identify the chief complaint, gather psychiatric history, and understand the patient's life context. In one study by Villalonga-Olives et al. (2022), the authors noted that the initial encounter should be organized methodically, starting with preparation, such as reviewing available records and ensuring a comfortable setting. Specifically, the interview begins with a professional introduction, explaining its purpose and confidentiality terms. However, one pitfall of this approach, according to my experience, is the need to establish rapport with the client. Every healthcare professional knows how important it is to balance rap...