Deciding on which assessment tools to use, and when, can feel like a confusing process. For example, should you screen all adolescent clients for substance use regardless of presenting problem? Should you ask about suicide in every session or only when it feels like it could be a concern?
Such questions are made murkier by the adolescent development stage itself, which is characterized by major physical changes that can lead to mood issues. These mood issues, at the surface, may appear to be signs of mental illness but could just be the natural progression of the adolescent years.
In this Assignment, you examine assessment tools that would be appropriate for adolescent clients. As you explore the tools, you may find greater clarity about their use.
Access the Online Assessment Measures link in the Learning Resources.
On that site, explore at least three different assessment tools for adolescents under the various categories. A few that you may consider are: Level 2, Substance Use, Child Age 11 to 17; Severity Measure for Depression, Child Age 11 to 17; and Severity Measure for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Child Age 11 to 17.
Select one assessment tool that you can see yourself using in practice with adolescent clients.
Consider why you have chosen this assessment tool and its strengths and limitations.
Submit a 1-page paper analyzing the adolescent assessment tool you have chosen:
Why did you select the assessment tool?
Why might it be especially helpful for use with adolescents?
What challenges or limitations might there be for this assessment tool?
