Clinical Assessment Library
Comprehensive guides to validated behavioral health assessments. Scoring interpretations, clinical use cases, and evidence-based recommendations for substance use, eating disorders, and mental health treatment.
Looking for printable PDFs? Download free assessment PDFs →
Not sure which assessment to use? Try our AI-powered advisor.
32 assessments found
Overview
Gold standard depression screening tool. Assesses frequency of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks.
Clinical Use Cases
- Depression screening
- Treatment monitoring
- Outcome measurement
Key Features
- Item 9 screens for suicidal ideation
- Validated globally
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-27)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal | Monitor |
| 5-9 | Mild | Watchful waiting |
| 10-14 | Moderate | Treatment recommended |
| 15-19 | Moderately Severe | Active treatment |
| 20-27 | Severe | Immediate intervention |
Key Reference
Kroenke K, et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Gold-standard clinician-rated scale for depression severity. Most widely used in clinical trials.
Clinical Use Cases
- Depression severity assessment
- Clinical trials
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- Clinician-administered
- Clinical trial gold standard
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-52)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-7 | Normal | No depression |
| 8-13 | Mild | Monitor |
| 14-18 | Moderate | Treatment recommended |
| 19+ | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Hamilton M. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1960;23:56-62.
Overview
Clinician-rated scale sensitive to antidepressant treatment effects, widely used in clinical trials.
Clinical Use Cases
- Depression severity assessment
- Antidepressant trials
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- Clinician-administered
- Sensitive to change
- Clinical trial standard
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-60)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 | Normal | No depression |
| 7-19 | Mild | Monitor |
| 20-34 | Moderate | Treatment recommended |
| 35-60 | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Montgomery SA, Åsberg M. Br J Psychiatry. 1979;134:382-389.
Overview
Ultra-brief positively worded questionnaire measuring well-being. Can screen for depression.
Clinical Use Cases
- Well-being screening
- Depression screening
- Outcome measurement
Key Features
- Ultra-brief (5 items)
- Positively worded
- WHO-developed
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-100)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-28 | Poor | Screen for depression |
| 29-50 | Low | Assessment recommended |
| 51-72 | Moderate | Monitor |
| 73-100 | Good | Positive mental health |
Key Reference
Topp CW, et al. Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(3):167-176.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Validated screening for bipolar spectrum disorders including lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms.
Clinical Use Cases
- Bipolar screening
- Differentiating unipolar vs bipolar
- Primary care identification
Key Features
- Screens for bipolar I and II
- Includes functional impairment
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-13 plus criteria)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 'yes' answers | Negative screen | Bipolar unlikely |
| 7+ 'yes' + co-occurrence + impairment | Positive screen | Comprehensive evaluation |
Key Reference
Hirschfeld RM, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157(11):1873-1875.
Overview
Brief validated screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety conditions.
Clinical Use Cases
- Anxiety screening
- Severity assessment
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- Brief and reliable
- Screens multiple anxiety disorders
- Pairs with PHQ-9
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-21)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal | No intervention needed |
| 5-9 | Mild | Monitor |
| 10-14 | Moderate | Treatment warranted |
| 15-21 | Severe | Active treatment |
Key Reference
Spitzer RL, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
18-item measure of OCD symptoms across six dimensions including washing, checking, and ordering.
Clinical Use Cases
- OCD screening
- Symptom severity monitoring
- Treatment response tracking
Key Features
- Six symptom subscales
- Good discriminant validity
- Sensitive to treatment change
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-72)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20 | Non-clinical | Monitor if concerns |
| 21-28 | Subclinical | Consider assessment |
| 29-40 | Clinical range | Treatment warranted |
| 41+ | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Foa EB, et al. Psychological Assessment. 2002;14(4):485-496.
Overview
20-item self-report measure assessing PTSD symptoms according to DSM-5 criteria.
Clinical Use Cases
- PTSD screening
- Symptom severity
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- DSM-5 aligned
- All four symptom clusters
- VA developed
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-80)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30 | Below threshold | PTSD unlikely |
| 31-33 | Threshold | Clinical evaluation recommended |
| 34-80 | Above threshold | PTSD likely; treatment needed |
Key Reference
Weathers FW, et al. National Center for PTSD. 2013.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Structured interview assessing suicidal ideation and behavior for risk stratification.
Clinical Use Cases
- Suicide risk screening
- Risk stratification
- Safety planning
Key Features
- FDA endorsed
- Differentiates ideation from behavior
- Clinical standard
Scoring Guide (Range: Categorical)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| No ideation | Low risk | Standard monitoring |
| Passive ideation | Moderate risk | Enhanced monitoring |
| Active ideation | High risk | Intensive intervention |
Key Reference
Posner K, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2011;168(12):1266-1277.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Validated measure for somatic symptom severity. Covers 15 common physical symptoms.
Clinical Use Cases
- Somatic symptom screening
- Somatization identification
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- Covers 15 most common symptoms
- Pairs with PHQ-9/GAD-7
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-30)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal | No intervention |
| 5-9 | Low | Watchful waiting |
| 10-14 | Medium | Consider treatment |
| 15-30 | High | Active treatment recommended |
Key Reference
Kroenke K, et al. Psychosom Med. 2002;64(2):258-266.
Overview
WHO-developed gold standard for identifying hazardous and harmful alcohol use.
Clinical Use Cases
- Alcohol screening
- Early intervention
- Treatment matching
Key Features
- WHO developed
- AUDIT-C brief version available
- Globally validated
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-40)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-7 | Low risk | Alcohol education |
| 8-15 | Hazardous | Brief intervention |
| 16-19 | Harmful | Brief intervention + monitoring |
| 20-40 | Possible dependence | Specialist referral |
Key Reference
Saunders JB, et al. Addiction. 1993;88(6):791-804.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Ultra-brief 3-question version of AUDIT for rapid alcohol screening.
Clinical Use Cases
- Rapid screening
- Primary care triage
- Initial identification
Key Features
- Ultra-brief (3 questions)
- Gender-specific cutoffs
- High sensitivity
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-12)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 (M) / 0-2 (F) | Low risk | No intervention |
| 4+ (M) / 3+ (F) | Positive screen | Full AUDIT recommended |
Key Reference
Bush K, et al. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(16):1789-1795.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Brief screening for drug use problems (excluding alcohol and tobacco).
Clinical Use Cases
- Drug screening
- Severity assessment
- Treatment planning
Key Features
- Brief and reliable
- All drug classes
- Complements AUDIT
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-10)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No problems | No intervention |
| 1-2 | Low level | Monitor; education |
| 3-5 | Moderate | Further assessment |
| 6-8 | Substantial | Treatment likely |
| 9-10 | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Skinner HA. Addictive Behaviors. 1982;7(4):363-371.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
WHO-developed comprehensive screening for all psychoactive substances.
Clinical Use Cases
- Comprehensive screening
- Poly-substance identification
- Risk by substance
Key Features
- WHO developed
- All substance classes
- Substance-specific scores
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-39 per substance)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Low risk | Education |
| 4-26 | Moderate risk | Brief intervention |
| 27+ | High risk | Specialist referral |
Key Reference
WHO ASSIST Working Group. Addiction. 2002;97(9):1183-1194.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Ultra-brief screening adapted from CAGE to include drug use.
Clinical Use Cases
- Rapid screening
- Initial identification
- Triage
Key Features
- Ultra-brief (4 questions)
- Easy to memorize
- High specificity
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-4)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Negative | No further assessment |
| 1 | Possible problem | Consider assessment |
| 2+ | Positive screen | Full assessment recommended |
Key Reference
Brown RL, Rounds LA. Wis Med J. 1995;94(3):135-140.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Ongoing monitoring during addiction treatment assessing both risk and protective factors.
Clinical Use Cases
- Ongoing treatment monitoring
- Relapse risk assessment
- Recovery capital measurement
Key Features
- Designed for repeated use
- Tracks risk AND protective factors
- VA-developed
Scoring Guide (Range: Risk: 0-36, Protective: 0-27)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| High risk/Low protective | High concern | Intensify treatment |
| Moderate risk | Monitor closely | Maintain treatment |
| Low risk/High protective | Good progress | Consider step down |
Key Reference
Cacciola JS, et al. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2013;44(3):256-263.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Comprehensive structured interview covering seven problem areas affected by substance use.
Clinical Use Cases
- Comprehensive addiction assessment
- Treatment planning
- Outcome measurement
Key Features
- 7-domain assessment
- Standardized interview
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-1 per domain)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-0.2 | Minimal problems | Monitor |
| 0.2-0.4 | Slight to moderate | Address in treatment |
| 0.4-0.7 | Considerable | Major treatment focus |
| 0.7-1.0 | Extreme severity | Priority intervention |
Key Reference
McLellan AT, et al. Am J Addict. 2006;15(2):113-124.
Overview
Ultra-brief 5-item scale measuring psychological aspects of substance dependence.
Clinical Use Cases
- Dependence severity screening
- Treatment need assessment
- Repeated monitoring
Key Features
- Ultra-brief (5 items)
- Substance-agnostic
- Captures psychological dependence
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-15)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Low dependence | Brief intervention |
| 4-7 | Moderate dependence | Structured treatment |
| 8-11 | High dependence | Intensive treatment |
| 12-15 | Severe dependence | Comprehensive treatment |
Key Reference
Gossop M, et al. Addiction. 1995;90(5):607-614.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Gold standard self-report eating disorder assessment with four subscales.
Clinical Use Cases
- Eating disorder screening
- Symptom severity
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- Gold standard ED measure
- Four validated subscales
- Free for clinical use
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-6)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1.5 | Non-clinical | Monitor |
| 1.5-2.5 | Mild concern | Assessment recommended |
| 2.5-4 | Clinical range | Treatment warranted |
| 4+ | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Fairburn CG, Beglin SJ. Int J Eat Disord. 1994;16(4):363-370.
Overview
Brief 5-question screener for eating disorders using memorable acronym.
Clinical Use Cases
- Rapid ED screening
- Primary care
- Initial identification
Key Features
- Ultra-brief (5 questions)
- Memorable acronym
- High sensitivity
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-5)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Negative | No immediate concern |
| 2+ | Positive | Further assessment needed |
Key Reference
Morgan JF, et al. BMJ. 1999;319(7223):1467-1468.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Measures psychosocial impairment specifically caused by eating disorder features.
Clinical Use Cases
- Functional impairment assessment
- Treatment need determination
- Outcome monitoring
Key Features
- Measures functional impact
- Complements EDE-Q
- Free for clinical use
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-48)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | Low impairment | Monitor |
| 16+ | Clinical impairment | Treatment recommended |
| 33-48 | Severe | Intensive treatment |
Key Reference
Bohn K, Fairburn CG. Guilford Press; 2008.
Overview
Assesses emotion dysregulation across six dimensions including awareness, clarity, and impulse control.
Clinical Use Cases
- Emotion regulation assessment
- DBT treatment planning
- Progress monitoring
Key Features
- Six validated subscales
- Transdiagnostic utility
- Brief version available
Scoring Guide (Range: 36-180)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 36-72 | Good regulation | Leverage as strength |
| 73-108 | Moderate difficulties | Skills training beneficial |
| 109-180 | Significant dysregulation | Emotion regulation focus |
Key Reference
Gratz KL, Roemer L. J Psychopathol Behav Assess. 2004;26(1):41-54.
Overview
Most widely used self-esteem measure in clinical and research settings.
Clinical Use Cases
- Self-esteem assessment
- Treatment target
- Progress monitoring
Key Features
- Gold standard measure
- Brief and reliable
- Public domain
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-30)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | Low | Self-esteem work indicated |
| 15-25 | Normal | Monitor; support |
| 26-30 | High | Protective factor |
Key Reference
Rosenberg M. Society and the adolescent self-image. 1965.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
WHO-developed quality of life assessment across four domains.
Clinical Use Cases
- Quality of life assessment
- Outcome measurement
- Holistic evaluation
Key Features
- WHO developed
- Four domains
- Cross-cultural validity
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-100 per domain)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-25 | Poor QoL | Significant intervention needed |
| 26-50 | Low QoL | Address domain deficits |
| 51-75 | Moderate QoL | Support improvement |
| 76-100 | Good QoL | Maintain and optimize |
Key Reference
The WHOQOL Group. Psychol Med. 1998;28(3):551-558.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
NIH-developed measure assessing overall physical and mental health with T-score reporting.
Clinical Use Cases
- General health screening
- Treatment outcome measurement
- Quality of life evaluation
Key Features
- NIH PROMIS system
- Physical and mental health scores
- Nationally normed
Scoring Guide (Range: T-scores (mean 50, SD 10))
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| T < 40 | Poor health | Comprehensive evaluation |
| T 40-45 | Fair health | Identify specific concerns |
| T 45-55 | Good health | Standard care |
| T > 55 | Very good to excellent | Maintain health |
Key Reference
Hays RD, et al. Qual Life Res. 2009;18(7):873-880.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
Assesses sleep quality, depth, and restoration over the past 7 days using T-scores.
Clinical Use Cases
- Sleep problem screening
- Treatment outcome monitoring
- Longitudinal tracking
Key Features
- PROMIS measurement system
- Validated T-score reporting
- Past 7 days assessment
Scoring Guide (Range: T-scores (mean 50, SD 10))
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| T < 55 | None to slight | No intervention needed |
| T 55-60 | Mild | Sleep hygiene education |
| T 60-70 | Moderate | CBT-I consideration |
| T > 70 | Severe | Sleep medicine referral |
Key Reference
Yu L, et al. Behav Sleep Med. 2011;10(1):6-24.
This assessment is in the public domain and free to use.
Overview
WHO-developed 18-item screening for adult ADHD. Part A (6 items) is the primary screener; Part B (12 items) provides additional diagnostic information.
Clinical Use Cases
- Adult ADHD screening
- Symptom severity tracking
- Treatment monitoring
Key Features
- WHO developed
- Part A screener + Part B clinical
- Inattention and hyperactivity subscales
Scoring Guide (Range: Part A: 0-24)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-13 | Low likelihood | ADHD unlikely |
| 14-17 | Possible ADHD | Further evaluation warranted |
| 18-24 | Highly consistent | Comprehensive evaluation recommended |
Key Reference
Kessler RC, et al. Psychol Med. 2005;35(2):245-256.
Overview
NIH-developed measure assessing perceived cognitive abilities including mental acuity, concentration, and memory over the past 7 days.
Clinical Use Cases
- Cognitive function screening
- Chemo-brain assessment
- Long COVID monitoring
Key Features
- NIH PROMIS system
- T-score reporting
- Patient-reported outcomes
Scoring Guide (Range: T-scores (lower = worse))
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| T < 40 | Severe concerns | Comprehensive cognitive evaluation |
| T 40-50 | Moderate concerns | Monitor; address contributing factors |
| T 50-55 | Mild concerns | Supportive strategies |
| T > 55 | Normal function | No intervention needed |
Key Reference
Lai JS, et al. Qual Life Res. 2014;23(9):2417-2427.
Overview
Standard 22-item assessment tracking post-concussion symptoms across physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep domains.
Clinical Use Cases
- Concussion assessment
- Return-to-play decisions
- Recovery monitoring
Key Features
- Sports medicine standard
- Symptom clusters
- Serial monitoring
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-132)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Asymptomatic | Return to activity protocols |
| 1-21 | Mild symptoms | Monitor recovery |
| 22-42 | Moderate symptoms | Active symptom management |
| 43+ | Severe symptoms | Specialist referral; activity restriction |
Key Reference
Lovell MR, Collins MW. J Athl Train. 1998;33(2):180-186.
Overview
Validated 9-item scale measuring fatigue severity and its impact on daily functioning. Widely used for chronic fatigue, MS, and post-viral syndromes.
Clinical Use Cases
- Fatigue severity assessment
- Chronic illness monitoring
- Treatment response
Key Features
- Mean score interpretation
- ≥4 indicates clinical significance
- Validated across conditions
Scoring Guide (Range: Mean 1-7)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 3 | No significant fatigue | No intervention |
| 3-4 | Mild fatigue | Lifestyle modifications |
| 4-5 | Moderate fatigue | Investigate causes; structured management |
| > 5 | Severe fatigue | Comprehensive fatigue workup |
Key Reference
Krupp LB, et al. Arch Neurol. 1989;46(10):1121-1123.
Overview
Brief 8-item informant-based screening for cognitive impairment and early dementia. Can also be administered as self-report.
Clinical Use Cases
- Dementia screening
- Primary care triage
- Early cognitive change detection
Key Features
- Informant or self-report
- Cutoff of ≥2
- High sensitivity (84%)
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-8)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Normal cognition | Dementia unlikely |
| 2+ | Cognitive impairment likely | Comprehensive cognitive evaluation |
Key Reference
Galvin JE, et al. Neurology. 2005;65(4):559-564.
Overview
Informant-based 10-domain assessment for staging dementia severity. Provides functional staging similar to Clinical Dementia Rating.
Clinical Use Cases
- Dementia staging
- Care planning
- Longitudinal monitoring
Key Features
- Caregiver-completed
- 10 functional domains
- CDR-equivalent staging
Scoring Guide (Range: 0-30)
| Score | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-0.5 | Normal | No dementia |
| 1-5.5 | Very mild/MCI | Monitor; cognitive support |
| 6-12 | Mild dementia | Care planning; safety evaluation |
| 12.5-18 | Moderate dementia | Increased support needs |
| 18.5-30 | Severe dementia | Full-time care planning |
Key Reference
Galvin JE. Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(2):220-227.
Ready to Use These Assessments?
TouchpointHQ makes it easy to send, score, and track all these assessments automatically. First 5 patients are free forever.