20+ Questions For Child and Adolescent Diagnostic Assessment Sessions

So you’ve greeted the client, given a great informed consent, now it’s on to asking those millions of questions you need to in the diagnostic assessment session to get enough information to make a diagnosis.  
 
In Minnesota according to the Department of Human Services in order to have a comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment you need to include not only current and historical symptoms and mental health treatment but a comprehensive assessment of factors that may impact development and the presenting problem.  Factors that need to be assessed include (but are definitely not limited to) information about meeting developmental milestones, any difficulties with development, trauma or maltreatment history, health history, family health and mental health history, academic functioning, and social engagement and resources. 
 
If you take insurance, getting all the information for the Diagnostic Assessment write up can be daunting in a short amount of time.  Some pro tips include having families fill out intake forms beforehand answering questions about each area of assessment.  You can also meet alone with the parent for a portion of time if you need information quickly and are worried the child will be negatively impacted by this process. However, insurance does state that the client needs to be present in some capacity for the assessment - which makes a ton of sense!  We don’t want to diagnose children without getting their perspective of their difficulties.  I mean, it is their life right?
 
AND whether they agree or disagree with their caregiver about level of symptoms and impact on their life is full of rich clinical data!
 
I wanted to share with you some of my favorite go-to questions to ask young people during the assessment phase Diagnostic Assessment clinical interview: 

• What do you think made it important for mom/dad/caregiver to bring you to see me today?
• What did mom/dad/caregiver tell you about coming here today?
• When is the first time you remember [the problem] happening? 
• What is your biggest strength? 
• Have you seen anyone like me before?
  • What was your favorite thing about working with [therapist]?
  • What is one thing you would change about working with [therapist]?
• How do you get along with mom/dad/parent/sibling?
  • What is your favorite part about mom/dad/parent/sibling/your family?
  • What is something you wish you could change about mom/dad/parent/sibling/your family? 
• What is the most stressful thing that has happened to you in the last year? 
• Do you have anyone you would consider a good friend? 
• Do you see friends online, in school, or in person? How often?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What is your favorite toy to play with?
• Are you a part of any clubs, sports, musical groups, or other activities?
• Have you been bullied before?
• How do you like school? 
• What is your favorite subject?
• What is your least favorite subject?
• Are there any subjects that are difficult for you or that you struggle in?
• Do you need extra support in class? 

 
As always the language in these questions can become simplified or more complex depending on the age of the client or situation.  If the child has parents who are divorced I add questions about divorce history, transition, and separate households. I also ask trauma questions and questions specific to symptoms the parent is identifying as the presenting problem.  
 
And lastly, if a client is uncomfortable with any of these questions - no problem! We skip it and move on! Although (if you take insurance) you need enough information for a diagnosis before beginning treatment, you always want to let the relationship lead the way. 
 
What about you?  What are your favorite questions to get young people talking in assessment sessions?  Drop your favorites below! 

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