These screening tools may be used by qualified healthcare and mental health professionals as part of an anxiety evaluation. Some are completed by the child or caregiver and then reviewed by the provider. A positive screen does not establish a diagnosis; diagnosis should be made by a qualified professional practicing within their scope of licensure and should include clinical history, functional impact, and consideration of other possible causes of symptoms.
GAD-7
A brief 7-item self-report tool used to screen for and measure the severity of anxiety symptoms in adolescents and adults.
Ages: 13+ • Time: 2–5 minutes
English | Spanish
SCARED – Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders
A 41-item screening tool for anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, with separate child and parent versions.
Ages: 8–18 • Time: about 10 minutes
English | Spanish
Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)
A child- and parent-report screening tool that assesses symptoms across several types of childhood anxiety, with versions available for preschool and school-age children.
Ages: Preschool 2.5–6.5; Child version 8–15 • Time: about 5–10 minutes
English | Spanish
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders
Evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals on the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
