Screening versus Assessment

Understanding Screening & Assessment

Screening is characterized by the following:
  • Identifies immediate and current health needs
  • Determines the need for further evaluation and treatment/support
  • Is typically short in length and quick to administer and score
  • Does not typically result in the ability to diagnose health conditions

 

Assessment is characterized by the following:
  • Is comprehensive and usually considers multiple domains of functioning
  • Gathers key information and enables clinicians to identify health concerns or diagnoses, and identify strengths and barriers that may impact engagement in treatment services