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.

An electronic version of this Manual is located in the TARGET Center.