Comprehensive Understanding of the Mental Status Exam: Definition, Templates, and Software

Just like stepping into a foreign country where tones, gestures and even non-verbal cues are different, so mental health practitioners need to pay attention to the mannerisms, behaviors and speech patterns of their patients. Mental status exam templates give a format to interpret all those details.

Mental status exam templates enable therapists and clinicians to organize and communicate their observations in a succinct manner. As such, practitioners can make informed decisions on the best diagnosis and treatment.

In this article, we’ll review the most relevant mental status exam templates. We’ll also include tips for gathering the mental status exam (MSE) information, including examples of questions to get the most objective data. 

While the MSE is essentially a physical exam for psychiatry and should be done in person, there are many ways that digital tools can support you as a practitioner.

For example, Quenza is both a client and practitioner platform so you can decide what to share with your clients. Everything is then stored safely, according to HIPAA and GDPR privacy regulations.

Based on the MSE, you can then create the perfect client journey to work towards improving their mental status and overall well-being. Each of the many activities in the Quenza library can be combined in unique pathways to offer an interactive and customized experience.See for yourself by signing up for the free, full-access, one-month $1-only trial just how many creative ready-made activities you have access to. You’ll transform your clients’ journeys into experiential moments where they feel empowered.