Module 2: Screening and Assessment

5A. Mental Health Assessment

A mental health assessment is designed to elicit specific information about a youth’s mental health issues, including determining whether a mental health disorder exists (according to formal diagnostic criteria), and if so, the severity of this disorder. To provide an accurate and useful evaluation, inquiries are made about the nature, correlates, context, and consequences of the youth’s mental health issues. Evaluators follow up on issues identified during the initial screening but in more depth.

These more comprehensive assessments help the evaluator identify other problems related to the mental health disorder (e.g., academic achievement, family relationships, medical issues), as well as evaluate the youth’s motivation for treatment. Well-designed, standardized assessment tools and collateral sources (e.g., family members, teachers, probation counselor) can provide important information. Written reports identify the nature and severity of the mental health disorder and suggest recommendations for treatment. For more information on mental health assessment tools see Standardized Screening and Assessment Instruments.