Assessment of anxiety and depression in Asian American youth.

This article reviews the current state of research on the assessment of anxiety and depression in Asian American children and adolescents. Contrary to lay perceptions of Asian Americans as a "model minority," research indicates that rates of depression and anxiety among Asian American adults are comparable to those found among European American populations. Given that Asian American populations also underutilize mental health services, the need to assess and treat anxiety and depression in Asian American youth is critical. This commentary includes directions for future research as well as clinical intervention.