Several components must be reviewed when a clinician considers using an assessment instrument. Such components include: (1) the instrument's relevance to the presenting problem; (2) the normative data; (3) traditional psychometric principles; (4) social validity; and (5) usefulness to interventions. This study reviewed seven assessment instruments that measure individual and family dynamics. The instruments were: MMPI-2; Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS); Eco-Map; Martial Satisfaction Inventory (MSI); Family Environment Scale (FES); Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-III (FACES-III); Genogram; and Eco-Map. The MMPI-2, used to assess an individual's functioning, was found to be an extremely sound instrument. DAS, used to measure a couple's interactions, showed strengths in reliability for nonmarital dyads. The strength of the MSI is that it helps assess communication in areas where couples have the most trouble. FES measures a family's social environment. FACES III has become the benchmark for family assessment. Genograms can be used when considering extended family relationships and the Eco-Map facilitates clinicians viewing individuals as part of a larger system. When clinicians have the most recent knowledge based upon literature and empirical studies, and have the ability to critically assess each situation, the client has the greatest chance of receiving the best treatment available. (Contains 3 tables and 22 references.) (Author/JDM)