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Assessing Youth Functioning, Strengths, and Goals: CAFAS and PECFAS

Key takeaways: The CAFAS and PECFAS are vital tools for mental health professionals to assess youth functioning, strengths, and goals, aiding in treatment planning and outcome evaluation across various domains. Developed by Dr. Kay Hodges, these assessments streamline decision-making processes by informing treatment type and intensity, level of care,...

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Clicks, Views, and Evaluations: Understanding the Rise of ADHD Diagnoses

Key takeaways: The diagnostic process for ADHD is complex due to the varying degrees and presentation of symptoms and impairments, leading to challenges when defining the lower threshold for diagnosis and leaving many in a "gray zone" of uncertainty. Social media platforms like TikTok have significantly influenced perceptions and...

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Examining the Relationship Between ADHD and Self-Harm in Adults

ADHD is associated with increased rates of self-harm1, 2. These behaviors include non-suicidal self-injury (i.e., self-directed, deliberate harm of self in the absence of suicidal intent, such as cutting or burning), as well suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and dying by suicide (i.e., direct, self-injurious behavior...

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Exploring the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised: 2nd Edition

The evaluation of psychopathy has a rich and extensive history. Beginning with the initial reflections of trailblazing psychologists and psychiatrists, extending to Cleckley’s (1976) formulation of 16 diagnostic criteria for identifying psychopathy. No more is this history prevalent than in the work of Robert D. Hare, the author of

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Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery: An Interview with Scott Millar

Healthcare institutions are grappling with significant challenges, including workforce and staff shortages, ever more technical processes and practices, and rising costs. As a result, the healthcare system is struggling to increase its capacity to deliver services and keep up with the demand for care. The impact of these challenges on healthcare...

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Navigating the Transition to Digital Assessments

As the evolution of assessment best practices continues, the surge in professionals embracing digital assessments is driven by efficiency, accuracy, and convenience. These tools offer streamlined administration, standardized processes, and the ability to provide tailored, engaging assessments while facilitating remote services and data-driven decision-making. However, some clinicians and school psychologists are...

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The CAARS 2 logo sits on top of a white background. Text next to the logo reads "Where assessment and opportunity align for adults with ADHD" Next to the text is an image of two roads meeting.

Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition Now Available!

MHS is proud and excited to announce the upcoming release of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS™ 2), a measure that provides improved accuracy, greater insight, and enhanced utility for assessing and managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. The Conners Adult...

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The Role of Measurement-Based Care in Mental Health Treatment

Despite its potential benefits, only a small fraction of clinicians currently use measurement-based care practices. This article explores the importance of measurement-based care and highlights why assessments are important within this approach and what features are critical to support measurement-based care.

What is measurement-based care?

You may have heard of phrases like...

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Autism and the Pandemic: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Symptom Changes

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health response led to the enforcement of restrictions such as physical distancing, in-person school and office closures, shifts to online learning and virtual work, and reductions in community and school-based services and extracurricular activities. While these restrictions helped control the spread of COVID-19,...

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