Last Updated on January 27, 2017 by Morris Green

Assessment is a process that continues throughout a client’s treatment. It is, by necessity, an ongoing and ever-changing procedure that seeks to take into account the strengths, areas for improvement, and challenges facing each individual client. The initial assessment, though, carries the most weight and contains the bulk of information used in formulating a treatment plan. Performing an assessment thoughtfully and thoroughly is crucial to the success of that plan.

Core Criteria

When performing an assessment, not only must you collect a large amount of data, but you’ll also have to impart more data. You’ll need to learn whether the client has any other health conditions that could affect their treatment, including their history of abuse and/or illness, and attempt to confirm contact information for people who can corroborate if necessary. At the same time, you’ll need to ensure the client understands the assessment tools you’re using and how this information can help build the best treatment plan for them. One of your goals will be creating a dialog with the client so that the assessment feels like a natural conversation. Keeping your client comfortable may be challenging, but it’s worth it.

Keeping the Client Involved

The more you involve the client in this person centered process, the more likely they are to be really honest about their history of abuse and coexisting conditions. Explaining each assessment tool and interview style that you use can help them feel more comfortable when opening up. As you identify problems or needs that the program will address for them, be sure to explain the treatment options that are available. This keeps them engaged and focused on the goal with you. Take care not to let your client become defensive during this process. You should think of yourself as part of the same team, and let your language reflect that.

Evaluating Life Impact

An important part of providing an assessment is getting an idea of how much a client’s substance use has impacted their life so far. Assess their vocational status, social health, legal status, psychological functioning, and physical condition. These various impacts will need to be addressed in the treatment plan. This is a good opportunity to re-introduce some of the services that were covered in Orientation but may have been forgotten. The doctors you collaborate with, for instance, can be brought up naturally here. If you offer any legal or social services, this is a good time to talk about them.

Because the assessment step is the one upon which the treatment plan is built, it is incredibly important to conduct it thoroughly and carefully. Your goal during this step should be to encourage honesty and buy in from your client. If they feel judged, attacked, or unsafe during this process, they are likely to shut down and become resistant. Your role is to foster an atmosphere that encourages them to take control of their own treatment by being upfront about their history. Instill in them the confidence that, when done correctly, their individualized treatment program can work for them, giving them the incentive to give it 100%.