There are many ways to conceptualize the mental health, relationship, and life-adjustment problems with which people struggle. Increasingly, American society (and other societies) tends to “pathologize” troublesome or problematic behaviors, many times using a “medical model” view, per DSM-V diagnostic criteria. This is one way to look at problem issues, but perhaps it is not the only way (or most useful way) to conceptualize problem issues.
Whether viewing a problem behavior as “sick,” “bad,” immature,” “sinful” or through some other conceptual lens, please share your thoughts on the social/cultural/political aspects of psychological assessment and diagnosis. What is the most useful and helpful way to “assess” a client in order to best help them accomplish therapeutic goals.