Psychopathology in outpatient children was explored using two classification systems. Clinically derived Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition, Revised) (DSM-III R) diagnoses in three high frequency diagnostic groups were compared to empirically derived Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores for an overall sample of 161 males and females and a subsample of 59 boys aged 6 to 11 years. Diagnostic groups included depressive disorders, conduct disorders, and attention deficit disorders. A fourth group, which was comprised of translated DSM-III-R Disruptive Behavior Disorders, was also analyzed. DSM diagnoses and the CBCL broad-band externalizing dimension converged among male and female clinic referred children, ages 4 to 16 years. Diagnoses and hyperactivity narrow-band scale converged among the 6- to 11-year-old male subsample. Reasons for the lack of convergence on other dimensions are discussed. Results suggest increased difficulties in classifying outpatient versus inpatient children. Implications for the classification of outpatient versus inpatient children are discussed. Support for the DSM-III-R Disruptive Behavior Disorders category is provided. (Author/SLD)