Formal ASsessment
Motivational Interviewing (MI) during the pre-treatment phase is a directive, client-centered counseling approach that may help a client assess and explore their ambivalence toward making change (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). MI may be particularly helpful for clients with co-occurring substance abuse or eating disorders (Kress et al., 2021).
Additionally, DBT utilizes a Demographic Data Scale (DDS) as a self-reporting questionnaire to gather extensive demographic information on the client that will impact implementation of culturally-appropriate adaptations or emphasis (Linehan, 1982 as cited in University of Washington: Center for Behavioral Technology [UWA], 2021).
The Treatment History Interview (THI) gathers detailed information about a client’s psychiatric and medical treatment over a desired period of time (Linehan & Heard, 1987as cited in UWA, 2021).
Next, the therapist will utilize the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), which is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess suicidal ideation, suicide expectancies, suicide threats and communications, and suicidal behavior (Addis & Linehan, 1989 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Lifetime-Suicide-Attempt Self-Injury Count (L-SASI) is an interview to obtain a detailed lifetime history of non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behavior (Linehan & Comtois, 1996 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Substance Abuse History Interview (SAHI) is an interview to assess periods of drug use (by drug), alcohol use, and abstinence in a client’s life over a desired period of time (McLellan et al, 1980; Sobbell et al., 1987 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Social History Interview (SHI) is an interview to gather information about a client’s significant life events over a desired period of time. It was developed by adapting and modifying the psychosocial functioning portion of both the Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report (SAS-SR) and the Longitudinal Interview Follow-up Evaluation Base Schedule (LIFE) to assess a variety of events (e.g., jobs, moves, relationship endings, jail) during the target timeframe. Using the LIFE, functioning is rated in each of 10 areas (e.g., work, household, social interpersonal relations, global social adjustment) for the worst week in each of the preceding four months and for the best week overall. Self-report ratings using the SAS-SR are used to corroborate interview ratings (Weismann & Bothwell, 1976; Keller et al., 1987 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Linehan Risk Assessment & Management Protocol (LRAMP) is utilized throughout therapy in an on-going manner whenever the client presents with increased suicidality (Linehan, 2009 as cited in UWA, 2021).
Diary cards also play an integral role in the client self-assessing urges, moods, behaviors, and usage of skills which aids the client and therapist in identifying patterns of maladaptive functioning in order to generate targets and make adjustments toward weekly and long-term goals (Linehan, 2015).
Additionally, DBT utilizes a Demographic Data Scale (DDS) as a self-reporting questionnaire to gather extensive demographic information on the client that will impact implementation of culturally-appropriate adaptations or emphasis (Linehan, 1982 as cited in University of Washington: Center for Behavioral Technology [UWA], 2021).
The Treatment History Interview (THI) gathers detailed information about a client’s psychiatric and medical treatment over a desired period of time (Linehan & Heard, 1987as cited in UWA, 2021).
Next, the therapist will utilize the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), which is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess suicidal ideation, suicide expectancies, suicide threats and communications, and suicidal behavior (Addis & Linehan, 1989 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Lifetime-Suicide-Attempt Self-Injury Count (L-SASI) is an interview to obtain a detailed lifetime history of non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behavior (Linehan & Comtois, 1996 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Substance Abuse History Interview (SAHI) is an interview to assess periods of drug use (by drug), alcohol use, and abstinence in a client’s life over a desired period of time (McLellan et al, 1980; Sobbell et al., 1987 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Social History Interview (SHI) is an interview to gather information about a client’s significant life events over a desired period of time. It was developed by adapting and modifying the psychosocial functioning portion of both the Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report (SAS-SR) and the Longitudinal Interview Follow-up Evaluation Base Schedule (LIFE) to assess a variety of events (e.g., jobs, moves, relationship endings, jail) during the target timeframe. Using the LIFE, functioning is rated in each of 10 areas (e.g., work, household, social interpersonal relations, global social adjustment) for the worst week in each of the preceding four months and for the best week overall. Self-report ratings using the SAS-SR are used to corroborate interview ratings (Weismann & Bothwell, 1976; Keller et al., 1987 as cited in UWA, 2021).
The Linehan Risk Assessment & Management Protocol (LRAMP) is utilized throughout therapy in an on-going manner whenever the client presents with increased suicidality (Linehan, 2009 as cited in UWA, 2021).
Diary cards also play an integral role in the client self-assessing urges, moods, behaviors, and usage of skills which aids the client and therapist in identifying patterns of maladaptive functioning in order to generate targets and make adjustments toward weekly and long-term goals (Linehan, 2015).
