BOAM (acronym for Basic Needs, Order, Autonomy, Meaning) is a new diagnostic system for mental health problems in adults and children. It consists of visual models that explain the complexity of symptoms and underlying neuropsychological problems in a simple way. The models do not refer to stigmatising abnormalities but to psychological laws that apply to every human being through which the client is normalized. Boam diagnostics is designed for diagnosis independently or through a fully transparent collaboration between the therapist and the adult or family. The result is that everyone comes to better understand the mental health problems, and self-insight and mutual understanding increases in everyone. This automatically creates insight into family dynamics that is recognized and understood by everyone. In determining treatment and evaluating it, the models can be used when needed. This automatically gives clients more control over their own therapy process and more direction over the priorities set. Also after treatment, clients can continue to use the models. Preventively, the models can be used in parenting support.
UvA minds is conducting scientific research into the effect of using boam diagnostics before treatment.
