Behavioral Health Screening Tools

Chloe Pertierra
Jul 1, 2024
2 min read

Commonly used screeners in integrated care

Integrated behavioral health care follows the population health model in that interventions and clinical applications focus on the entire patient population not individual patients (Hunter et al., 2024). Hunter et al. (2024) reports that less intensive intervention provided to larger amounts of people may have a greater impact on the overall population. For this reason, behavioral screening tools are integrated into clinical pathways to identify individuals who might benefit from a targeted intervention.

Screening is a tool used in primary care settings to identify signs and symptoms of common behavioral issues such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use. Early recognition and treatment of behavioral health disorders “prevents complications, improves quality of life, and helps reduce health care costs” (Mulvaney-Day et al., 2018).

The table below lists commonly used behavioral health screening tools in primary care. These brief self-report measures are typically administered at the beginning of the session by a primary care provider (PCP) or a behavioral health consultant (BHC). All screeners listed below are offered in English and Spanish with some screeners such as the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) offered in child, adolescent, and adult form.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs)

Used to assess the number of adverse childhood events that an individual has witnessed or experienced. Has been linked to several chronic health outcomes and mental health difficulties.

Available in English, Spanish, Adult, Child, Adolescent

Alcohol Abuse Screening Tool (CAGE)

Used to assess alcohol abuse in adults.