The Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a Workshop on Clinical Interviewing and Diagnostic Tree over two days, July 10–11, 2025. The hybrid-format workshop was held both via Zoom and at the UGM Center for Environmental Studies building, and was attended by psychology professional program students, lecturers, psychologists, medical doctors, and psychiatrists.
The workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of mental health professionals in clinical interviewing and accurate diagnosis of mental disorders. The Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of paying close attention to psychological issues and the need for professionals to carefully consider diagnoses in order to design effective interventions.
During the first session on Thursday (10/07), Diana Setiyawati, S.Psi., MHSc., Ph.D.—a lecturer and Head of CPMH—delivered an introduction to clinical interviewing and diagnostic trees, with a specific focus on anxiety disorders. Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Ronny Tri Wirasto, Sp.KJ., a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine UGM, presented material on clinical interviewing and diagnostic trees for psychotic disorders.
The second session on Friday (11/07) featured Tri Hayuning Tyas, S.Psi., M.A., Psychologist, as the speaker on clinical interviewing and diagnostic trees for depressive disorders. In addition, dr. Ida Rochmawati, M.Sc., Sp.KJ (K), discussed bipolar disorders. The workshop also included practical sessions divided into small groups of four participants—one acting as the client and the remaining three as psychologists.
“The main function of diagnosis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the client’s condition. This includes the nature of the problem (signs, symptoms, history), its causes, and the resulting functional changes. All this information is certainly beneficial for both the client and the helper,” explained Tyas.
The series of events concluded with a wrap-up session led by Diana Setiyawati, S.Psi., MHSc., Ph.D. During this closing session, participants were invited to share insights and reflections on their experiences throughout the workshop. One participant remarked that the diagnostic process was far more complex than expected:
“I never really thought about the concept of a diagnostic tree, so I overlooked many possible differential diagnoses. I’m grateful this workshop was held because it offered valuable new insights and experiences,” they shared.
Writer: Relung Fajar Sukmawati