Client Advocacy

U07a1 Client Advocacy

By: Chyra Cook

2/23/13

Dr. Cooper

Client History:

Thirty-four year old female Carlotta Mendoza has been referred to CNC Counseling Services for depression and multiple suicide attempts. Currently Carlotta is a client at Laucausa Outpatient AODA facility. Client has history of alcohol abuse and has been in treatment on four previous occasions. Client self reports last use was six months ago. Client reports being severely depressed and does not take her medication regularly because she says that it does not seem to work. Client is currently going through a divorce from her husband of ten years and has children ages 7, 5, and 3. Because of her recent suicide attempts the children have been placed with their father and Carlotta is allowed supervised visits with the children every other weekend. Client is unemployed and reports that she was unable to maintain employment because of her drinking and depression.

Family History:

Client was raised in a very strict Catholic home and by both parents. Mom worked as a nurse at the local hospital until she retired. Client's dad was self-employed and had a very successful roofing company. Dad was an alcoholic and passed away four years ago from complications of liver disease a direct result of alcoholism. Client has two older brothers, one younger sister and reports that none have issues with drugs or alcohol.

Social History:

At one time client was active in her church, and school activities with her children. However, when client's dad passed away she lost interest in things outside the home and began to isolate. Client also reports that since separating from her husband she feels judged by her mom and other members of her church. Client has no other pro social supports in place.

Abuse History:

Client reports no physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

Mental Health/AODA treatments:

Client reports that she has only been in AODA treatment one time with referring agency. Client is currently receiving mental health services from Community Outreach Clinic.

Medications:

Fluoxetine, 40mg, and Trazadone, 500mg.

Clinical depression is described as feeling unhappy, sad or miserable. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration begin to interfere with everyday life for weeks on end. The exact cause of depression has not been pinpointed; some research shows that that it can be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. No one is exempt from suffering from depression, it does not matter the age depression can and has been diagnosed in kids. Carlotta reports that the onset of her depression heightened after the death of father. And that reaching for alcohol was something she thought would soothe her; however it only made things worse, ("Major depression", 2012). The following may play a role in depression:

* Alcohol or drug abuse

* Certain