There is a need for enhanced and more creative assessment techniques in evaluating the adolescent population. Developmental issues of adolescents, the significant mental health needs of adolescents, and problems with present diagnostic criteria are explored. Creative alternatives for more accurate and inclusive assessment are discussed, with emphasis on issues of rapport and empowerment. The diagnostic interview, family diagnostic interview, differential diagnosis (a systems approach to collateral contact), and effective followthrough are explored.The adequate psychological assessment of adolescents, in the vernacular of the age group, is definitely a "piece of work"! The normal developmental explosions of growth inherent in the adolescent, on physiological, social, cognitive, and emotional fronts, mean that we are attempting to assess a rapidly evolving and changing person who is struggling with issues of "becoming," including autonomy, separation and individuation, self-esteem, and self-doubt. In this stormy and stressful time, conflict within, and conflict with the larger society (family, friends, school) are often assumed to be normal rights of passage of Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to I. Louis Young,
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