About Your Score
Each of your answers has a score of 0-2. Click “Your Answers” above to see your score for each question. Adding these up provides your Total Score.
Never = 0; Sometimes = 1; Often = 2
In addition to your Total Score, 3 subscores are calculated using specific questions from the test. It’s possible to score high on one or more subscores while also having a low total score.
Interpreting your scores
- Total Score:
Children/teens with scores of 15 or higher usually have significant difficulties in overall psychosocial functioning. - Anxiety/Depression Subscore:
Children/teens with scores of 5 or higher on this subscale usually have significant difficulty with anxiety and/or depression. - Attention Problem Subscore:
Children/teens with scores of 7 or higher on this subscale usually have significant difficulty with attention. - Conduct Problem Subscore:
Children/teens with scores of 7 or higher on this subscale usually have significant difficulty with conduct.
Source:
Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)
Gardner, Murphy, Childs, et al. (1999). The PSC-17: a brief pediatric symptom checklist with psychosocial problem subscales. A report from PROS and ASPN. Ambulatory Child Health 5(3), pp. 225–236.
For more information, visit the Pediatric Symptom Checklist page at Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry: https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/treatments-and-services/pediatric-symptom-checklist
Please note: Mental health screening tools are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a doctor or mental health professional who can provide a thorough evaluation. Mental Health Center Kids, LLC disclaims any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of these screens.
Your Answers
- Overall Score: / 34
- Anxiety/Depression Score: 5 / 10
- Attention Problem Score: 5 / 10
- Conduct Problem Score: 6 / 14
🚨 RESULTS: Potential Risk Identified
Your results show that your child may be at risk for emotional, attention, or behavioral difficulties. You can meet with a doctor or mental health professional who can provide a thorough evaluation. While the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) can highlight possible concerns, only a qualified provider can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest the next best steps.
⚠️ Important Note
These results are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sharing these results with someone you trust can be a great place to start.
📋 What To Do Next
👥 Talk to a Professional
- Share these screening results with providers
- You can start with your child's pediatrician
- Ask school staff or counselors for mental health provider recommendations
🚨 Warning Signs
Emergency - Seek Immediate Help If Your Child:
- Talks about wanting to hurt themselves or others
- Shows severe aggressive or dangerous behavior
- Is in immediate danger
For Emergency Help:
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger
- Go to the nearest emergency room
Contact Doctor/Mental Health Professional If Your Child:
- Shows significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Experiences sudden changes in friendships or school performance
- Has frequent unexplained physical complaints
- Shows significant mood changes or increased anxiety
📚 Helpful Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Resources for Families
- Access free resources for families
- Learn about child development and mental health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Children's Mental Health
- Explore research-based information
- Find guidance on prevention strategies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children's Mental Health
- Learn about common childhood mental health concerns and treatments
- Access free parenting resources and prevention strategies
- Save for future reference
- Learn about different types of support available
🎯 Take Action Today
At Mental Health Center Kids, we offer therapist-approved worksheets to help with emotional, behavioral, and attention-related challenges. These worksheets can be used both in therapy sessions or at home.
💳 Insurance Note
Many insurance plans cover mental health services. Contact your insurance provider to find in-network mental health professionals who specialize in working with children.
✅ RESULTS: Low Risk Identified
Your results show that your child is likely at low risk for emotional, attention, or behavioral issues.
⚠️ Important Note
These results are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can meet with a doctor or mental health professional who can provide a thorough evaluation. Sharing these results with someone you trust can be a great place to start.
💪 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health
- Maintain consistent routines and healthy sleep habits
- Encourage regular physical activity and outdoor time
- Create opportunities for social connection
- Practice active listening and validate their feelings
- Set aside regular one-on-one time together
📋 What To Do Next
👥 Keep Communication Open
- Talk regularly with your child about their feelings
- Check in with your child's teacher or school counselor
- Discuss any ongoing concerns with your child's doctor
🔍 Watch For Changes
If you notice:
- Significant changes in mood, sleep, or eating habits
- Social withdrawal or friendship changes
- Increased anxiety or sadness
- Unexplained physical complaints
Contact your child's doctor or mental health professional for guidance.
For Emergencies: If your child ever talks about self-harm or harming others, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate help.
🎯 Build Skills Now
At Mental Health Center Kids, we offer therapist-approved worksheets to support emotional, behavioral, and attention-related skills. Even if your child is doing well now, our resources can help build self-awareness and positive coping strategies.
⏰ Stay Proactive
Consider re-screening in 6-12 months or sooner if you notice changes in your child's behavior or emotions.
📚 Helpful Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Resources for Families
- Access free resources for families
- Learn about child development and mental health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Children's Mental Health
- Explore research-based information
- Find guidance on prevention strategies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children's Mental Health
- Learn about common childhood mental health concerns and treatments
- Access free parenting resources and prevention strategies
- Save for future reference
- Learn about different types of support available