Tag - Clinical Assessment

A practitioner explains something to a client who is sitting across from them. They look passionate about what they are sharing with their client.

Beyond the First Session: Therapy Retention

The rates of client dropout, arguably a stigmatizing term in and of itself, have been a topic of interest in the literature for over 50 years. Despite interest, there remains a lack of consensus on its definition and why clients discontinue therapy. Study results also vary in terms of dropout...

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A group of young adults are working together at a table with their laptops open. They are smiling and laughing.

ADHD Transitions: Navigating from Adolescence into Early Adulthood

Every developmental stage carries unique pitfalls and triumphs, and the progression from teenager to young adult is no different. The complexity of this transition is exponentially increased for youth with ADHD as they are confronted with new academic, relationship, and life skill challenges in the context of reduced structure and...

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Students sitting at their desks in a row in a classroom. One student is smiling.

ADHD Evaluations and Executive Function for Student Success

Enhancing outcomes: ADHD evaluations focused on executive function Executive functioning can be defined as an overarching concept representing important cognitive processes, including planning, working memory, attention, inhibition, self-monitoring, self-regulation, and initiation. Challenges with executive functioning may not always be tied to a single diagnosis and can be observed across a large...

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A school psychologist in a session with a young girl. The child is sharing information with the psychologist at a table next to a window.

Choosing the right tools: Broadband vs. Narrowband Assessments

Key Takeaways: Broadband and narrowband assessments serve distinct purposes in evaluating students' needs, strengths, and challenges. When selecting assessment tools, school psychologists should consider the purpose of the evaluation, the student's presenting challenges and strengths, and other contextual factors. Integrating both broadband and narrowband assessments provides a more thorough...

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A child sitting outside with their friends. They all face forward and smile.

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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A person sitting at a table, resting their forearms, and viewing their phone.

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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A doctor sits at their desk, working on their laptop, and takes notes on a clipboard.

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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A person holding a tablet device in their hands.

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 ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS™; Conners, Erhardt,...

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Three people sit around a table next to a large window. One person holds a clipboard and faces the person who is speaking.

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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