NCJ Number
118494
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
These step-by-step guidelines detail the stages and techniques that mental health professionals should use in conducting diagnostic interviews of adolescents.
Abstract
The initial phase is to establish rapport and to provide structure for the interview. Professionals should not assume that adolescents have experienced or are prepared for their role in the interview. They should be sensitive to the facts that adolescents are probably not coming on their own volition and that they are probably confused and anxious about the process and expectations of the interview itself. Specific techniques are needed for shy, resistant, or hostile youths. The middle phase of the interview consists of a shift to gathering more specific information to form a diagnostic impression and develop a plan for intervention. The clinician must strike a balance between active structuring of the interview process and allowing for more spontaneous interactions. They must also distinguish between a chronic pattern of maladjustment and a recent inception of problem areas. Issues requiring understanding include bodily concerns, how the youth has coped with previous stress, perceptions of the family, friendships, sexual involvement, school problems, and the youth's degree of insight into problem areas. The final phase involves letting the youth ask questions and offer opinions and stating the next step in the diagnostic process.