Short answer
Best practice is to spend part of the visit alone with the teen after explaining confidentiality and its limits.
HEADSS Assessment Components
| Letter | Topic | Example question |
|---|---|---|
| H | Home | Who do you live with? How do you get along? |
| E | Education / Employment | How is school going? Do you work? |
| E | Eating (HEEADSSS) | How do you feel about your body and eating? |
| A | Activities | What do you do for fun? Who are your friends? |
| D | Drugs | Do friends vape, drink or use drugs? Do you? |
| S | Sexuality | Have you been in a relationship? Do you feel safe? |
| S | Suicide / depression | Have you felt down or thought about hurting yourself? |
| S | Safety (HEEADSSS) | Seatbelts, bullying, violence, online safety |
USA HEADSS Exam: Quick Facts
- Used with
- Adolescents and young adults
- Type
- Psychosocial interview
- Expanded version
- HEEADSSS
- Key rule
- Safety overrides confidentiality
Free practice test
Test what you know
Random questions, instant scoring and an explanation for every answer.
Start the USA HEADSS Exam practice test →More USA HEADSS Exam questions
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.