While not validated yet, CHLA uses the COJAC Screening Tool which is a short and simple tool to screen individuals for co-occurring disorders (COD). It was developed by the Co-Occurring Joint Action Council. It has 9 questions to screen for mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. Not the greatest for youth, but a standardized tool nonetheless.
In addition to the COJAC, there is the Modified Mini Screen which The Modified Mini Screen is a 22-item questionnaire that is administered by a clinician in about 15 minutes. It measures the potential for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders.
At CHLA we use the COJAC and if 2 or more positive answers, we then use the Modified Mini.
In our CHLA ER they use the CRAFFT which is a screening tool for use with children under the age of 21 and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Substance Abuse for use with adolescents. It consists of a series of 6 questions developed to screen adolescents for high risk alcohol and other drug use disorders simultaneously.
SAPT also use a drug and alcohol to measure amount and frequency of use as well as a readiness ruler to determine a youth’s readiness and motivation to change.
We use these screening tools to add to an overall assessment using the DSM IV TR. All of our clinicians, however, are master’s level psychotherapists with significant training in dual diagnoses. We also emphasize CLIENT STRENGTHS.