INTRODUCTION
The screening tools listed here can be used to: a) help screen children and adolescents for mental health concerns and b) monitor treatment progress.
The BHIPP team is available to consult with PCPs regarding the use of standardized mental health or substance use screening tools in their practices. Please remember:
- The administration of screening tools does not result in a diagnosis. However, the tool highlights mental health symptoms that may be causing distress, or behavioral difficulties, and should be further considered and explored.
- Administration of a screening tool is only one component of a mental health evaluation and should be considered in the context of other collateral information. An elevated score on a screening tool does not mean that the child has that particular mental health disorder.
- Symptoms suggestive of suicidal or harmful behaviors warrant immediate attention by a trained clinician.
For more information about administration and scoring of screening tools related to six common mental health conditions, please refer to the sections below:
Screening Resources
General Screening Tools
Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC)
The Pediatric Symptom Checklist is a brief psychosocial screen designed to facilitate the recognition of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems so that appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible. Two versions of the tool exist, the parent-report version (PSC) which can be used for children beginning at age 6 and the youth self-report (Y-PSC) which can be administered to adolescents ages 11 and up. Following positive screening results it is recommended that the child be referred for evaluation by a mental health professional.
For more information about the PSC or the Y-PSC and to download the tool: click here
ADHD
Vanderbilt
This tool is used to identify symptoms including disruptive behavior, inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in different settings for children age 6-12 years old. It includes a 55-item parent-report form as well as a 43-item teacher form. The forms are free and require approximately 10 minutes to complete.
For more information and to download the VANDERBILT: click here
Adverse Childhood Experiences
ACE-Q: Center for Youth Wellness Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire
This brief tool assesses adverse childhood experiences that may impact physical and mental health of children and adolescents. There are separate parent-report versions for children (ages 0-12) and teens (ages 13-19) in both English and Spanish. A teen self-report version is also available.
For additional information and to access the ACE-Q: click here
Anxiety
Preschool Anxiety Scale
The Preschool Anxiety Scale is used to screen for elevated levels of anxiety in children ages 3-6. It includes a 28-item parent-report form and a 22-item teacher-report form that assess six domains of anxiety including generalized anxiety, panic/agoraphobia, separation anxiety, social phobia, OCD, and physical injury fears. There are 5 additional questions relating to traumatic experiences that are for clinical use only and not factored into scoring. The scale takes about 2 minutes to score.
To access the Preschool Anxiety Scale: click here
For information on how to score the Preschool Anxiety Scale: click here
To access the Preschool Anxiety Scale scoring sheet: click here
Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED)
This tool screens children and adolescents age 8 and older for anxiety disorders. There is a 41-item parent-report form and a 41-item self-report form and each takes about 5 minutes to complete. For children ages 8-11, it is recommended that the provider explain all questions, or have the child answer the questionnaire sitting with an adult in case they need help answering or understanding any items.
For more information and to download the SCARED: click here
Autism
M-CHAT-R/F: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, With Follow-Up
The M-CHAT-R/F is a validated screening tool designed for use with toddlers age 16 months - 30 months of age, to assess risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The 20-item parent-report form can be administered and scored as part of a well-child check-up or used by specialists or other professionals to assess risk for ASD. The M-CHAT can be scored in less than two minutes.
*Note: this tool was developed to maximize sensitivity and may lead to a false positive score, meaning not all children who score at risk will be diagnosed with ASD. However, those scoring at risk should be evaluated for other developmental delays or disorders.
For more information about screening for autism and to download the MCHAT and scoring instructions (available in multiple languages): click here
Depression
Preschool Feelings Checklist
The Preschool Feelings Checklist was developed for use in primary care settings with children ages 3-6, to screen for depression. This 16-item parent-report form can be scored quickly by the provider. To score the measure, sum all items in which the respondent selected yes. A score of 3 or more indicates the need for further mental health evaluation.
To access the Preschool Feelings Checklist: click here
For additional information about the development and scoring of this tool: click here
CES-DC: The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children
This tool screens children and adolescents age 8-17 for depression. The 20-item self-report form takes only a few minutes to complete and a brief time for the provider to score. Possible scores range from 0 to 60 and higher scores indicate increased levels of possible depression.
For more information and to download the CES-DC: click here
PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Depression Screening Tool
The PHQ-9 screens adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults for depression. It is a brief self-report form, which takes only a few minutes to complete and a brief time for the provider to score. This tool is available in several languages.
To download the version of the PHQ-9 that has been modified for use with teens: click here
Substance Abuse
CRAFFT
The CRAFFT is a 6-item self-report form used to screen for high risk alcohol and other drug use disorders simultaneously. It is designed to assess whether a more in-depth assessment around alcohol or other drug use is warranted. The CRAFFT is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Substance Abuse for use with adolescents, ages 12-21.
For more information about the CRAFFT and to download the tool: click here
About Us
BHIPP is supported by funding from the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration and operates as a collaboration between the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Salisbury University and Morgan State University.
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