An earlier report that studied the type and amount of mental health services used by crime victims in 1994 prompted creation of the 13-member Mental Health Treatment Guidelines Task Force. Results of the 1994 study found that mental-health difficulties of crime victims were diagnosed inadequately. New guidelines for mental-health providers would improve service to victims of crime, according to the study. Counselors should not use the early session to justify long-range treatment, which may be unnecessary. A thorough study of a patient's background must be completed before the Crime Victims Compensation Program will accept a diagnosis by a mental-health provider.
Cultural aspects are essential in determining the use of mental-health services for crime victims.
Interpreters should be used for a crime victim with limited proficiency in English to avoid improper diagnosis. Dr. Tim Keller, medical director, Seattle Mental Health. He represents the Washington State Medical Association the Washington State Psychiatric Association.