Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice in Britain

One hundred and fifty-eight clinical psychologists practising in Britain completed a questionnaire concerning their use of and views about psychological assessment. The respondents reported spending on average slightly more than 50 % of their working day on face-to-face clinical work and 13 % of their time with clients on individual assessment. The results were compared to those of a similar survey conducted in the United States. Compared to their American counterparts, British clinical psychologists used formal psychometric and projective tests infrequently. Clinical interviews were the most frequently mentioned form of assessment in both countries. Notwithstanding their infrequent use of formal assessment procedures, the majority of the British clinical psychologists stated that trainees should learn about some psychological tests, primarily in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. The comparison of North American and British practice illuminates factors influencing assessment choices, and poses questions about the validity and reliability of current assessment practices. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd