Assessing Common Mental Health and Addiction Issues With Free-Access Instruments

Along with healthcare in general, the costs of published assessment instruments and mental health assessment services continue to rise. As it has with many other fields, the Internet offers a more affordable and equitable alternative by allowing for the availability and delivery of numerous moderate and high-quality assessment instruments at little or no cost. However, few sources exist that systematically critique and vet the quality of these tools, which is where the current book fills a unique need. This resource identifies the most efficient free access instruments and provides summary information about administration, scoring, interpretation, psychometric integrity, and strengths and weaknesses. Whenever possible, the instrument itself is provided. The book is organized around the 8-9 most common broad range issues encountered by helping professionals, aligned with DSM-V diagnoses and terminology. A companion website will enhance the book by providing links to each assessment and, whenever possible, the instrument will be available directly from the site.

Katie M. Sandberg, MA, is a national certified counselor, mobile mental health counselor, and a member of both Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Chi Sigma Iota, the International Honor Society in Counseling. She has authored numerous textbook chapters, supplemental instructional materials, and a professional journal article currently undergoing publication in the fields of lifespan, and human development and assessment.

Taryn E. Richards, MEd, is a national certified counselor and a professional secondary school counselor in Maryland. She has authored textbook chapters, supplemental instructional materials, and a professional journal article currently undergoing publication in the fields of lifespan, and human development, treatment, and assessment.

Bradley T. Erford, PhD, is the 2012-2013 President of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and a professor in the school counseling program of the education specialties department in the School of Education at Loyola University, Maryland. He has authored or edited more than 15 books. He has received numerous awards for his scholarship and service to the counseling profession from ACA and the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE).