Although the current criteria for diagnosing chemical dependence, DSM-IIIR, is the same for adolescents and adults, it is more difficult to assess in the younger patients. Behaviors which are symptomatic of chemical dependency in adolescents can also signal other conditions including emotional or mental health problems, learning disabilities, effects of abuse, and dysfunctional learning due to home stresses. There is yet no accepted standard for assessing adolescents; standardized criteria for diagnosis and assignment to appropriate levels of care for treatment must come from the treatment field. Another major level of assessment, motivating the adolescent for treatment, remains a function of personal interviewing. The interview consists of engaging the client in the problem-solving process, assessing the diagnostic criteria, and making recommendations based on the assessment outcome. Most adolescents who are chemically dependent are referred to residential treatment programs; some criteria for judging the quality of programs are outlined. 15 references