Abstract
This exploratory study analyzed the extent to which clinical practitioners use depression measurement instruments in assessing unipolar depression, and examined the choice of theoretical approach and the selection of treatment models in ongoing therapy for this mental disorder. The thirty participants who participated in this study were professional clinical practitioners working in rural mental health settings in California. Research data was collected through surveys and face-to-face interviews with the respondents. Findings indicated that 73 percent of the respondents used at least one form of a depression measurement instrument. However, only 28 percent of the interviewees reported continual use of these instruments in future treatment sessions for the monitoring of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the instruments used do not appear to be associated with the choice of treatment options provided by these practitioners. Study findings support the need for further education on the availability of specific measurement instruments, taking into consideration the inherent needs of a diverse client population. The need for regular use of these instruments offers valuable updated information to both the client and the clinician in response to the specific treatment modality employed to manage and treat depression.