“Sensitivity is the key”: Speech-language pathologists’ perspectives on assessing adolescents with and without mental health concerns

PURPOSE: With increasing numbers of adolescents reporting mental health concerns, speech-language pathologists across clinical sectors need greater awareness of the potential impact of mental health concerns on assessment performance. The aim of this study is to examine factors that influence speech-language pathologists' clinical approach to assessing adolescents, focusing on adolescents with mental health concerns. The study offers insights from the clinical experiences, thoughts, and concerns from speech-language pathologists working with this population. METHOD: An online survey gathered data from speech-language pathologists working with adolescents, inviting them to describe their approach to assessing adolescents with and without mental health concerns. Responses of 35 speech-language pathologists were drawn from four open-ended questions and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULT: Responses generated six themes: (a) The whole adolescent, (b) the adolescent's voice, (c) creating connection, (d) purpose guides assessment, (e) broadening assessment, and (f) working within the clinical context. A final theme was created reflecting concern expressed for equipping speech-language pathologists to work in the mental health space. CONCLUSION: Speech-language pathologists need to be aware that adolescent clients may be experiencing co-occurring mental health concerns that can impact assessment performance and accommodate this by adapting their clinical approach, while ensuring sensitivity for both communication and potential mental health needs.