Assessment is broader in scope than testing. Typically, assessment includes gathering and integrating information about a client in a manner that promotes effective treatment. This digest discusses how counselors can use assessment as a continuous process throughout treatment. It also reviews three common forms of assessment techniques which can be used in conjunction with testing: (1) Qualitative Assessment; (3) Behavioral Assessment; and (3) Past Records. Continuous assessment influences the direction of treatment for two reasons: (1) presenting concerns and client circumstances are not static and often need to be modified or re-ordered; and (2) assessment can aid in evaluating the efficacy of treatment. Continuous assessment allows comparisons between the client's initial baseline functioning and current functioning. Qualitative assessment techniques often consist of games and simulation exercises that are flexible, open-ended, holistic, and nonstatistical. Clients can process what they learned from the experience immediately within the counseling session. Behavior assessment looks at manifest behaviors. Emphasis is placed upon identifying antecedents to problem behaviors and consequences that reduce their frequency or eliminate them. Counselors should also utilize client's past records to identify important patterns and ineffective treatments. (JBJ)