1. Introduction and overview -- Pt. I. Theoretical background. 2. Psychological problems, social relationships and mental health. 3. Psychotherapy - the individual and the family. 4. Developments in family assessment -- Pt. II. Family assessment in practice. 5. A framework for family assessment. 6. Beginning the assessment. 7. Using a structured interview to obtain a broader assessment -- App. 1. Darlington Family Interview Schedule -- App. 2. Darlington Family Rating Scale. 8. Using additional assessment procedures for more specific investigations -- App. 1. Marriage Satisfaction Index -- App. 2. Social Support Index. 9. Integrating and applying assessment information -- Pt. III. Bridging the gap between science and practice. 10. Science, learning and clinical guidelines. Clinical guidelines for child and family assessment.