Abstract
Rating scales are useful for evidence-based assessment of youth psychopathology. However, it is not known whether these scales
contribute information beyond that which clinicians gather without them. This study examined agreement between chart diagnoses
and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 82 community mental health clinic clients. Agreement was low, suggesting that
the CBCL was not redundant with clinicians’ clinical impressions. These findings suggest that use of an instrument like the
CBCL could potentially improve clinician diagnostic accuracy; future research should examine how best to utilize these scales
in the diagnostic process and how to train clinicians in their use.
contribute information beyond that which clinicians gather without them. This study examined agreement between chart diagnoses
and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 82 community mental health clinic clients. Agreement was low, suggesting that
the CBCL was not redundant with clinicians’ clinical impressions. These findings suggest that use of an instrument like the
CBCL could potentially improve clinician diagnostic accuracy; future research should examine how best to utilize these scales
in the diagnostic process and how to train clinicians in their use.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-012-0436-6
- Authors
- Amanda Jensen-Doss, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0751, USA
- Leticia D. Osterberg, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0751, USA
- J. Scott Hickey, Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority, Houston, TX, USA
- Tia Crossley, Dallas Independent School District Psychological & Social Services, Dallas, TX, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X