ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of different methods used by clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals in both practice and research for the assessment of common problems. For more detailed discussion of both the principles of assessment and the psychometric properties of some of the instruments referred to, the reader should consult more general texts such as Barlow (1981), Ciminero, Calhoun, and Adams (1986), Bellack and Hersen (1988) or Peck and Shapiro (1990). In the broadest sense, there are four primary purposes of assessment in a clinical context: (i) to determine whether the service offered is likely to be of benefit to the person; (ii) to provide a description of the problem; (iii) to facilitate treatment selection; and (iv) to provide a means for treatment evaluation (Barrios, 1988). If the referral is indeed appropriate then further analysis of the problem will be required. Key aims of problem identification are (i) to identify those areas that are most problematic to the client; (ii) the order in which these problems should be addressed; and (iii) the variables maintaining each problem. The treatment can then be selected accordingly and its efficacy in helping the client to overcome their problem monitored. Assessment should thus be directly related to and continuous with treatment.
