ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on evidence-based screening for mental health–substance use disorders. It reviews the rationale underlying recommendations for more proactive screening. The chapter discusses the important distinction between screening and assessment and the need for a staged approach. It highlights different approaches to screening, several basic principles and constructs for evaluating the performance of screening tools, and practical aspects involved in application of these tools in practice settings. The chapter offers some well-researched examples of tools for adolescents and adults that fit within the staged framework. It discusses the need to shift from tool development and validation per se to the evaluation of screening tools in day-to-day practice and associated outcomes. Best practice recommendations typically target managers and administrators of specialised mental health and substance use services and call for evidence-based screening for mental health disorders among people accessing substance use services and, vice versa, substance use screening among those accessing mental health services.
