Assessment of the family. Systemic and developmental perspectives

Abstract

Why was Elizabeth the symptomatic family member? This challenging question is informed by the family assessment, which examines family process patterns, family structure, family history, and developmental challenges of individual family members and the family as a whole. Although the answer to this question may never be explained completely, the family assessment does contribute to the biopsychosocial formulation on which rational therapeutic intervention is based. The family assessment does not replace a clinical assessment of the identified patient. Rather, the use of the family assessment provides a greater breadth from which to view children and adolescents presenting complaints.