A Systematic Research Review of Collaborative Assessment Methods

• Published in: Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.) Vol. 60; no. 3; pp. 355 - 369
• Main Authors: Aschieri, Filippo, van Emmerik, Arnold A. P., Wibbelink, Carlijn J. M., Kamphuis, Jan H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Educational Publishing Foundation 01-09-2023
• Subjects: Collaboration; Human; Neuropsychological Assessment; Psychological Assessment; Psychotherapy; Treatment Outcomes; collaborative assessment; psychotherapy; psychological assessment; psychotherapy outcome
• ISBN: 9781433897009; 1433897016; 9781433897016; 1433897008
• ISSN: 0033-3204; 1939-1536
• DOI: 10.1037/pst0000477

Collaborative assessment methods (CAMs) involve working with clients during all phases of the assessment process, from goal definition to interpretation of the testing results to the recommendations and conclusions. In this article, we define CAMs, provide clinical examples, and then meta-analyze the published literature to assess their effectiveness on distal treatment outcomes. Our meta-analytic results indicate that CAMs have positive effects on three outcome domains: a moderate effect on treatment processes, a small-to-moderate effect on personal growth, and a small effect on symptom reduction. There is little research evidence on the immediate, in-session effects of CAMs. We include diversity considerations, training implications. and therapeutic practices grounded in this research evidence.
Clinical Impact Statement
Question: We sought to review the evidence for the effectiveness of collaborative assessment methods (CAMs), which involve working with clients during all phases of the assessment process, from the definition of the goals for the assessment to the interpretation of the testing results and to the identification of conclusions and recommendations. Findings: Our review shows that in as few as 2.7 sessions on average, assessors using CAMs have a positive impact on the treatment process, clients' symptoms, and clients' self-growth. Meaning: Collaborating throughout the assessment helps clients develop a different view of themselves, especially one that is more accurate, compassionate, and useful. The respect, collaboration, and empathic understanding of clients may be the primary mechanism of CAMs effectiveness. Next Steps: Research on the immediate effects of CAMs components is needed.