Post-Traumatic Stress Response Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

LAPC MODEL LISTEN ASSESS CLIENT NAME: Alexis Salazar PLAN COMMIT AGE: 18 LISTEN What is the client saying about the crisis? Client is saying she is struggling to cope with the car accident she experienced. She finds herself reexperiencing the events and becomes hyper-arousal in any situation involving a car. What happened? Client was driving in a parking lot when she was hit on the drivers’ side by another car. Client sustained minor injuries in her neck and forearm. Has been experiencing flash backs of event and has some trouble concentrating. Client is also experiencing feelings of confusions and shock. When did it happen? The car accident happened a month ago What type of crisis was it? (Traumatic event, Developmental, Psychiatric, Existential?) Traumatic event Did the client mention anything that indicated danger? Client did not mention anything indicating danger to themselves or others Other relevant information about the crisis? This is the clients first car accident while driving themselves. Was also involved in a hit and run a few years prior ASSESS Feelings: Is the client’s predominant emotional state one of: Anger Anxiety Sadness Panic Hopelessness Numbness Suicidal? If yes, complete lethality suicide assessment: No Homicidal? If yes, complete lethality violence assessment: No _____________________________________________________________________________________ Acting: Is the client’s behavior: Active or Restless Passive or Withdrawn Consistent with mood Good eye contact Clients is withdrawn from going out due to anxiety of being around cars. Her behaviours are consistent with her mood as she feelings of anxiety and flashbacks are consistent with someone who has been in a car accident. __________________________________________________________________ Thinking: Is the client: Logical/making sense Insightful Evasive/changing subject Coherent/expressing self well Focused on topic Client can focus on topic and make sense of the situation. She can understand what her feelings are and communicate easily why she is feeling this way. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Other: Any medical problems? Physical limitations? Client experienced grade 2 whiplash and a sprain in forearm that is still causing some complications Need for Hospitalization? Client does not need to be hospitalized PLAN What needs to be done now? Client needs to contact a mental health professional. It seems that she is experiencing post traumatic stress disorder with her series of flashbacks and anxiety of being in situations with cars. Speaking to a mental health professional can help with giving Alexis a diagnosis as well as recommending other ways to deal with the events of the car accident. What alternative plans have been discussed? Client could also find way to cope with their anxiety and flashbacks themselves such as implementing new self-care activities or routines. They could also try talking to relative or friends if they do not want to speak with a mental health professional. Are these plans reasonable? Yes, these plans are reasonable as they are options to help the client deal with as communication is crucial. Can they be carried out? Yes. COMMIT Which plan of action has the client chosen? Client has chosen the plan of seeking out the help of a mental health professional. Are the resources/support to implement the plan? Yes, Alexis has support from her family to help her through this time. Is the client motivated to implement the plan? Yes, the client seems optimistic about this plan What other resources/support may be needed? Friend Family member Neighbor Mental health provider Public agency (law enforcement, child protective services, social services) Alternatives East York Mental Health Counselling Services Agency Medical (hospitalization, medication) No medication or hospitalization is needed. Final Outcome / Plan of Action: Alexis will communicate with the counsellor and her family about how she is feelings about her situation. She will continue to seek out mental health counselling to help with her anxiety and flashbacks of the incident.