Find the right clinical scale

A clinical and academic reference to validated scales · 14 clinical domains · DSM-5 aligned

A score is only as useful as what the clinician knows about it. Every scale here shows its source, its cutoffs and its limits.”
Phil BrunetClinical Product & UX Advisor, University of Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the most widely used depression screening tool?

    The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screener in the world. It has been validated in hundreds of studies across primary care, psychiatry, and telehealth settings. The PHQ-9 scores 9 items aligned with DSM-5 depression criteria on a 0–3 scale for a total score of 0–27, with a score of 10 or above indicating clinically significant depression requiring evaluation.

  • What is the difference between a screener and a full diagnostic assessment?

    A screener identifies individuals at risk who warrant further evaluation. It is quick to administer and suited to routine use across a caseload. A full diagnostic assessment involves a thorough clinical interview using standardized criteria (e.g., DSM-5 or ICD-11) to establish a full clinical evaluation. Tools like the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5 are validated screeners; they can support clinical decision-making but are not a substitute for a full clinical evaluation.

  • Are these clinical assessments validated?

    Yes. All assessments in HiBoop's library are evidence-based tools with published psychometric validation studies. Each tool page includes the original validation research, sensitivity/specificity data, and clinical use guidelines.

  • Which assessment tools are used for PTSD screening?

    The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is the criterion standard for PTSD screening. It assesses all 20 DSM-5 PTSD symptoms across four clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. A total score of 31–33 or above is the provisional cutoff for PTSD. The PC-PTSD-5 is a shorter 5-item screener for primary care settings.

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