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  • Author:

    Ray Christner, PsyD & Paul Wagner, MS

  • Level: 

    Foundational

  • CREDIT(S)

    1

  • Video

    1 hour

Demystifying MSE

This episode features Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner discussing how the Mental Status Examination (MSE) serves as an essential clinical method to evaluate a person's mental health. Their comprehensive discussion covers the ABC SMART PICKLE acronym which organizes the MSE into essential components including appearance, behavior, speech, thought processes, and risk assessment. A comprehensive understanding of an individual’s mental health emerges from integrating objective observations with subjective interpretations. The episode demonstrates a collaborative and inquisitive approach to provide mental health professionals with practical tools for improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical understanding.
Course Objectives:
1. Describe the ABC SMART PICKLE acronym and how it organizes MSE findings.
2. Discuss strategies for using the MSE to improve diagnostic precision and clinical decision-making.
3. Apply a structured and collaborative approach to conducting an effective MSE.

Psyched to Practice Podcast: Ray Christner, PsyD &
Paul Wagner, MS

Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a nationally registered health service psychologist. He specializes in clinical and school psychology, and he is board-certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. Operating an independent practice in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Dr. Christner also provides telepsychology services in 41 states as an authorization holder of the APIT (Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) and the TAP (Temporary Authorization to Practice). His clinical work includes psychotherapy, psychological and neuropsychological testing, consultation services, and program evaluations. He works with children, adolescents, and adults with psychological, developmental, social, behavioral, and learning differences.

A recognized author and speaker, Dr. Christner has contributed extensively to the field through numerous publications and presentations. His book, Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Educational Settings: A Handbook for Practice (now in its 3rd edition), has been translated into Japanese, Korean, and Romanian. Additionally, Dr. Christner shares his thoughts on topics related to psychology as the cohost of the podcast Psyched to Practice and writes the Living Psyched blog for Psychology Today. His work has garnered attention from prominent media outlets such as Today, Parents, Newsweek, Lifehacker, Yahoo!Life, ABC, Fox, Special Education Connection, and Authority Magazine, to name a few.

Paul Wagner, MS, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor at ElevateMind, LLC, specializing in ADHD and executive functioning. He uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to empower clients and foster self-acceptance. As someone with ADHD, he understands their unique challenges and works with individuals, couples, and families for personal growth. Additionally, he shares his mental health expertise as cohost of the podcast Psyched to Practice. 
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References

  • Choudhary, S. (2017). Mental status examination of borderline personality disorder. Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry, 8. https://doi.org/10.15406/jpcpy.2017.08.00476
  • Goodie, J., Bennion, L., Schvey, N., Riggs, D., Montgomery, Μ., & Dorsey, R. (2022). Development and implementation of an objective structured clinical examination for evaluating clinical psychology graduate students. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 16, 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000356
  • Shwartz, S., Morris, R., & Penna, S. (2017). Psychometric properties of the Saint Louis University mental status examination. Applied Neuropsychology Adult, 26, 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2017.1362407
  • Souza, J., Monteiro, B., Souza, V., Pettengill, E., Pettengill, C., & Souza, N. (2021). A new method of teaching about psychopathology and the mental status examination. Creative Education, 12, 824-836. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2021.124059

Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 


Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists.  Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field. 

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Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field.

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