Psychiatry Interview Template

To structure a psychiatric interview, begin by establishing rapport to create a comfortable environment for the patient. Then, gather information through open-ended questions that encourage the patient to share their experiences and feelings. The interview should be organized into sections, including the patient's presenting problem, psychiatric history, medical history, family history, and social history while allowing flexibility to explore relevant topics as they arise.

The stages of the psychiatric interview typically include an introduction, where the clinician explains the purpose of the interview; information gathering, which involves asking about symptoms and history; assessment, where the clinician evaluates the information collected; and closing, where the clinician summarizes findings and discusses next steps or treatment options.

The psychiatry interview technique often employs active listening skills, empathy, and nonverbal communication to foster trust and encourage open dialogue. Clinicians may use specific questioning techniques, such as reflective questioning or summarization, to clarify and deepen understanding of the patient's concerns while ensuring that the patient feels heard and validated throughout the process.