Mental Health Assessment with Children and Adolescents

“Timely and transformative… redefines psychological assessment by embracing a framework grounded in justice, relational accountability, and cultural humility.”—Dr. Debra M. Kawahara, President, American Psychological Association (2025) “A must-read for emerging mental health professionals… masterfully integrates clinical, community, and cultural psychology.”—Dr. Masha Y. Ivanova, University of Vermont, USA “A brilliant evaluation manual… grounded in clinical training, lived experience, and deep respect for culture and community.”—Dr. Yvette Flóres, University of California, USA “A compelling invitation to reimagine mental health assessment as a liberatory practice.”—Dr. Gwen V. Mitchell, University of Denver, USA “I wish this book existed while I was in training. I am thrilled that now I have the opportunity to assign it—whether it’s for advanced trainees conducting case assessments or beginning-level master’s students learning about case conceptualization.” —Dr. Sherry C. Wang, Santa Clara University, USA This groundbreaking textbook offers an accessible, comprehensive guide to conducting clinical interviews and mental health assessments with children and adolescents. Designed for students and professionals in psychology, counseling, therapy, and social work, it walks readers through every stage of the assessment process—from referral to feedback—while centering culture, context, and collaboration. Authors Sara Buckingham and Gerald Oster integrate principles from clinical, cultural, and community psychology (the ‘3 Cs’) to present a justice-oriented framework that acknowledges the structures and systems surrounding youth. With practical tools, reproducible resources, and real-world applications across diverse settings—including schools, clinics, hospitals, and legal systems—this book empowers clinicians to foster engagement, deepen understanding, and generate meaningful recommendations. Sara L. Buckingham, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, USA. She co-directs the Center for Community Engagement and Learning and leads the Crossroads Research Collective, a group of research-practitioners working at the intersections of the ‘3 Cs’. Her work focuses on culturally responsive practices and family engagement in mental health. Gerald D. Oster, PhD, has over 40 years of experience as a licensed psychologist and is the author of 13 books on interviewing and assessment. A former Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Medical School, USA, he has trained generations of clinicians in developmental psychology and psychological testing.