Why didn't I get a diagnosis after my session?

Upon finding out that I am a psychology professional, some people ask, "Are you diagnosing everyone you meet?" I usually answer, "Not unless you're paying." But of course, the answer is … kind of. 

I can't turn off the part of my brain that notices patterns in behavior, so I do recognize when a friend's thoughts or actions fit a clinical diagnosis. But it's unethical for me to treat a friend or relative except in very specific circumstances, so I usually keep those thoughts to myself and just enjoy being with my friend. 

Another reason that I'm not diagnosing you is that I'm not all that fond of diagnosis codes. They can be helpful shorthand between practitioners, but since every person with depression experiences it differently, I don't like thinking of my clients in those terms. I'm more likely to think about the person's circumstances than about their diagnosis. 

I usually have a diagnosis in mind, and clients always have the right to ask for my thoughts on this! Sometimes, it's necessary to provide a label in writing the psychological equivalent of a sick note, or a note for accommodations needed at work or school. Other clinicians will sometimes ask for this information as well. 

The reason that I don't feel the need to tell my clients their diagnosis right away is that I find it often hurts more than helps. Some diagnoses carry a stigma that my clients shouldn't have to bear, and some of them come with worrisome implications for my clients' rights. Since each person's challenges and circumstances are different, it's impossible to judge a whole category of people the same way, and I don't want my clients to see themselves as their diagnosis code first. 

Particularly in the case of a younger person, a diagnosis may become a part of identity, which it's not! We're hoping that, as we work together, your diagnosis no longer affects your daily life. 

If you have questions, please ask, and your clinician will be happy to give you diagnostic impressions and help you understand what s/he's seeing.