Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Treatment Modalities • Brief Therapy • Multicultural Counseling

DSM-5

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is the main handbook that mental health professionals use to diagnose and classify mental health conditions. Think of it as the standard guidebook or rulebook that helps counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists speak the same language when discussing mental health conditions. It's like a dictionary that defines different mental health conditions and provides clear guidelines for identifying them. An older version was called DSM-IV, and when you see DSM without a number, it usually refers to the current version (DSM-5).

Examples in Resumes

Conducted client assessments using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria

Provided diagnoses based on DSM-5 and DSM guidelines

Created treatment plans aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic frameworks

Typical job title: "Mental Health Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor Clinical Therapist Licensed Professional Counselor Clinical Social Worker Psychotherapist Mental Health Clinician Behavioral Health Specialist

Where to Find Mental Health Professionals

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you stay current with DSM-5 updates and changes in diagnostic criteria?

Expected Answer: A senior clinician should discuss professional development, continuing education, participating in clinical supervision, and staying engaged with professional organizations that provide updates on diagnostic practices.

Q: How do you handle complex cases where symptoms don't clearly fit DSM-5 diagnostic criteria?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate clinical judgment in using DSM-5 as a guide while considering cultural factors, environmental influences, and the overall clinical picture to make appropriate diagnostic decisions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you use DSM-5 in treatment planning?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they connect diagnostic criteria to treatment goals, use the manual to track client progress, and adjust treatment plans based on diagnostic considerations.

Q: What are the key differences between DSM-5 and previous versions?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss major changes in diagnostic categories, removal of the multiaxial system, and how these changes affect clinical practice.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a DSM-5 diagnosis?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain diagnostic criteria, specifiers, and severity ratings, and how to document these in client records.

Q: How do you use DSM-5 in initial client assessment?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of gathering client information and comparing symptoms to diagnostic criteria to form an initial diagnostic impression.