This lesson described how to set clients at ease, let them know what to expect during a CAPS-5 interview, use time efficiently, and assess for trauma(s) exposure.

Some key points you should remember include:

• You should introduce the CAPS-5 by clarifying the:
  • Purpose of the interview
  • Intended use of findings
  • Interview structure
• Let the interviewee know that there are no right or wrong answers and encourage him or her to give specific answers to specific questions.
• Encourage the interviewee to give specific answers to specific questions.
• The Life Events Checklist for DMS-5 (LEC-5) is a structured instrument that is suitable for establishing a client's trauma(s) history.
• The LEC-5 was designed to be administered before the CAPS-5.
• To introduce the LEC-5, you should describe the purpose of the checklist or read aloud the instructions at the top of the assessment.
• Use the LEC-5 to determine an index event and then assess whether that event satisfies Criterion A.
• In some cases, it may be useful to continue the CAPS-5 administration to understand the symptom presentation even if Criterion A is not met (e.g., to answer specific questions related to treatment planning).