Measurement and Assessment Tools

Standardized assessment instruments are essential tools for clinical social workers. They provide objective, reliable data that supplements clinical judgment, improves diagnostic accuracy, tracks treatment progress, and supports evidence-based practice. The ASWB exam expects you to know the most commonly used screening tools and their applications.

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)

The PHQ-9 is the most widely used screening tool for depression in clinical settings. It consists of 9 items corresponding to the DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.

• Scoring: Each item rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Total score range: 0-27.
• Interpretation:

• Item 9 specifically asks about suicidal ideation and should trigger a full suicide risk assessment if endorsed
• Strengths: Brief, free, validated across diverse populations, sensitive to change over time

GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7)

The GAD-7 screens for generalized anxiety disorder and can also indicate other anxiety disorders.

• Scoring: 7 items rated 0-3. Total score range: 0-21.
• Interpretation:

• Clinical use: Effective as a screening tool and for monitoring treatment response over time

AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)

The AUDIT was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to screen for hazardous or harmful alcohol use.

• Format: 10 questions covering alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems
• Scoring: Total score range: 0-40
• Interpretation:

DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test)

The DAST screens for drug use problems (excluding alcohol and tobacco).

• Versions: DAST-10 (10 items) and DAST-20 (20 items)
• Format: Yes/no questions about drug use in the past 12 months
• Scoring (DAST-10):

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

The C-SSRS is a structured interview tool for assessing suicide risk. It evaluates:

1. Suicidal ideation — severity and intensity of suicidal thoughts
2. Suicidal behavior — actual attempts, interrupted attempts, aborted attempts, preparatory behavior
3. Self-injurious behavior without suicidal intent — self-harm not intended to cause death

Key advantages:

• Standardized language reduces ambiguity in suicide risk communication
• Distinguishes between ideation (thinking about suicide) and behavior (acting on suicidal thoughts)
• Widely adopted across healthcare, military, school, and criminal justice settings
• Available in multiple languages and free to use

Outcome Monitoring and Progress Tracking

Best practice in clinical social work involves administering standardized measures at regular intervals (e.g., every session, monthly, or at predetermined milestones) to:

• Track symptom change over time
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness
• Identify deterioration early so treatment can be adjusted
• Provide objective data for clinical supervision and case consultation
• Support insurance authorization and documentation requirements
• Empower clients by showing measurable progress