Fresh Thinking on Trauma Assessment

This article highlights the need for psychologists to expand their understanding and assessment practices to capture the full complexity of trauma. Many clinicians lack formal training in trauma assessment, even though trauma often underlies common mental health concerns and is frequently unrecognized by clients themselves. The article underscores both the importance of assessing the type, frequency, and recency of trauma, as well as stresses the relational dynamics of assessment, noting that the assessor’s identity and the client’s trauma reactions during the process can influence accuracy. Copyright 2026.

After reading the CE Corner article, you will be asked to complete a “Commitment-to-Change” (CTC) exercise. The CTC exercise is designed to help facilitate the translation of your learning into practice. Completion of the CTC is required prior to the completion of the CE Test based on the APA Monitor CE Corner article.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

New York state psychologists: This program is not currently in compliance with the unique requirements imposed by the New York State Board of Education for New York licensed psychologists CE.

• Identify the basic knowledge, content, and processes that go into effective trauma assessment.
• Discuss research that demonstrates the need for this service, including data linking trauma experiences to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
• Describe new thinking on trauma assessment, including why it is important to look beyond simple diagnostic categories and toward the person’s whole experience.

Tori Deangelis