Tools for Grantees: The Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ)

A Mental Health Screening Tool for Use in HIV/AIDS Service Settings

The Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ) is a brief assessment tool designed to identify clients who may have mental health needs. It screens for depression, anxiety disorder including PTSD, and psychosis, as well as alcohol or drug abuse or dependence.

The CDQ was developed for persons living with HIV or at high risk of infection. The CDQ is designed to guide staff (particularly those with no mental health training) to conduct systematic mental health screenings based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Use of the CDQ provides a baseline assessment of mental health functioning and indicates which clients need additional mental health services, either further assessment or direct referral for treatment by a clinician.

The CDQ has been used by staff in a variety of service sites including medical clinics, multi-service community organizations, and homeless shelters. eenings take 15 - 20 minutes to complete. study showed the CDQ to be highly sensitive; 90% of clients with clinically significant mental health needs were identified.

The CDQ and a Training Manual for mental health screening was developed by a team of researchers and clinicians at Columbia University as part of HAB's Special Projects of National Significance. To order the CDQ Instrument and the Training Manual, contact any of the following:

HRSA Information Center
Attn: Carla Bustillo
2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450
Vienna, Virginia 22182
Order online or call 1-888-275-4772

Cicatelli Associates Inc.
505 8th Ave.
16th Floor
New York, New York 10018
212-594-7741

Mediawise
205 North Walnut Street Suite 200
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
812-339-9060