HEEADSSS

Purpose of Assessment

• HEEADSSS assessment used as a structured psychosocial assessment tool for adolescents
• Aims to:
  • Build rapport
  • Explore psychosocial wellbeing
  • Identify risk and protective factors
  • Guide support and management planning

Consultation Structure

• Consultation included:
  • Initial discussion with parent/guardian present
  • Dedicated private time with adolescent alone
• Parent/guardian concerns obtained where appropriate

Confidentiality Discussion

• Confidentiality and its limitations discussed at commencement of assessment
• Explained that:
  • Information shared would remain private/confidential
  • Information would not routinely be disclosed to parents or others without consent
• Exceptions discussed:
  • Risk of harm to self
  • Risk of harm to others
  • Abuse or neglect concerns
  • Legal safeguarding obligations
• Adolescent informed that any required disclosure would, where possible, first be discussed with them

Consultation Script / Preface

• Discussed with adolescent:

“I’m going to ask you a number of questions about your life, health, relationships, and general wellbeing. Some of these questions may feel quite personal, but the reason I ask them is to better understand you and work out how I can best support and help you.

What you tell me is private and confidential and will not be shared with your parents or anyone else outside this room without your permission. The only exception is if I become concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, or if there is something that legally needs to be disclosed, such as concerns about abuse or serious harm. If that situation arises, I would discuss this with you first before speaking to anyone else.”

Domains Explored

• Home
  • Family relationships
  • Living situation
  • Home stressors/conflict
• Education / Employment
  • School attendance/performance
  • Peer relationships
  • Bullying/supports
  • Future goals
• Eating / Exercise
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Weight/body image concerns
• Activities
  • Hobbies/interests
  • Social activities
  • Peer interactions
  • Screen time
• Drugs / Alcohol
  • Smoking/vaping
  • Alcohol use
  • Substance use exposure/use
• Sexuality / Gender
  • Relationships
  • Sexual health
  • Gender identity
  • Consent/safety
• Suicide / Mood / Self-harm / Sleep
  • Mood symptoms
  • Anxiety/stress
  • Self-harm/suicidal ideation
  • Sleep pattern/quality
• Safety / Strengths
  • Exposure to violence/risk-taking
  • Online safety
  • Protective factors
  • Supports and coping strategies

Communication Approach

• Open-ended, non-judgemental questioning utilised
• Youth-friendly and rapport-focused approach maintained throughout consultation