Module 2: Screening and Assessment

5E. Culturally Sensitive Assessment

It is important for clinicians to conduct valid and reliable assessments with youth and families who are different from them; otherwise treatment recommendations will not be reflective of what is truly occurring with the client. Due to an intentional or unintentional acceptance of racial stereotypes, some strengths may not be identified. Some questions may even be avoided or deemed unnecessary. The youth and family may do things "differently" in some areas of their lives, which could inadvertently be perceived as their having a "problem" or "need" in a particular area where that is not the case. When the youth and family feel respected and understood, they are also more likely to engage and participate in the assessment process and any resulting treatment recommendations that follow.

Two books that specifically address this issue are Understanding Cultural Identity in Intervention and Assessment (Dana, 1998) and Assessing and Treating Culturally Diverse Clients: A Practical Guide (Paniagua, 1988).