Evaluation Requirements Flashcards

Which standardized instrument is most appropriate for screening an adult client for alcohol use disorder severity?

Answer: AUDIT

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is the WHO-developed gold-standard screen for hazardous and harmful alcohol use.

A licensed mental health counselor reviewing intake paperwork notices a client scored 20 on the PHQ-9. What does this score indicate?

Answer: Severe depression

PHQ-9 scores of 20–27 indicate severe depression, warranting urgent clinical attention.

When conducting a mental status examination, which domain specifically assesses a client's ability to think abstractly?

Answer: Cognition

Cognitive functioning in the MSE includes abstract thinking, often assessed with proverb interpretation or similarities tasks.

A counselor uses the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). What is the primary purpose of this tool?

Answer: Stratifying suicide risk severity

The C-SSRS is designed to systematically categorize suicidal ideation and behavior to stratify risk level.

Which type of reliability refers to the consistency of scores across different raters administering the same assessment?

Answer: Inter-rater reliability

Inter-rater reliability measures agreement between two or more evaluators scoring the same client or instrument.

An LMHC is assessing a client whose primary language is not English. What is the most ethical approach to standardized testing in this situation?

Answer: Use a validated instrument normed for the client's language/culture

Using culturally and linguistically validated instruments ensures assessment validity and protects against biased results.

In a biopsychosocial assessment, which component specifically addresses a client's support networks and community resources?

Answer: Social

The social component of a biopsychosocial assessment covers interpersonal relationships, social supports, and community resources.