by James A. Kennedy

First published in 1992, Fundamentals of Psychiatric Treatment Planning outlines an approach that quickly became the definitive standard for writing treatment plans. Developed by clinical psychiatrist James A. Kennedy, this practical, intuitive method organizes psychiatric problems into seven categories: psychological impairment, social skills, violence, activities of daily living, substance abuse, medical impairment, and ancillary impairment. Treatment plans are developed using information gathered with the Kennedy Axis V, an instrument that has proven more successful than both the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) in establishing baselines and determining outcome measures.

Fundamentals of Psychiatric Treatment Planning serves as a powerful, highly effective tool that • Promotes a cohesive approach. By using a consistent approach to planning, the clinical team works in concert toward uniform goals and outcomes.

• Helps staff gather critical information to improve outcomes. For establishing baselines and determining outcome measures, the Kennedy Axis V instrument has proven more successful than both the GAF and the BPRS.

• Includes many examples to help staff write their own plans. Rich with real-life examples to guide staff, including problem names and descriptions, treatment modalities, and samples of individual plans for each of the seven problem categories.

In addition to the Kennedy Axis V questionnaire, Fundamentals of Psychiatric Treatment Planning includes blank forms for treatment planning and tabbed sections to allow for quick reference. New features in the second edition include the integration of nursing care plans into master treatment plans, new systematic steps for building goals and modalities, refinements to the questionnaire, and the introduction of online support via the author's website.

With its readily adaptable, uniform approach to a complex subject, Fundamentals of Psychiatric Treatment Planning, Second Edition, is a powerful, highly effective planning tool for all members of the clinical staff.