What is the difference between screening and assessment?
Universal Screening – Screen everyone who walks in the door annually for substance use and mental health disorders.
Screening – A brief process that occurs soon after the individual seeks services and indicates whether the individual is likely to have a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder. Individuals who screen positive for co-occurring disorders should receive an indepth assessment.
Assessment – Occurs after screening and consists of gathering key information to collaboratively conceptualize the problem and develop a treatment plan. Mental health and substance use disorders are assessed in the context of each other. The goals are to:
- Establish (or rule out) the presence or absence of a co-occurring disorder
- Determine the individual’s readiness for change
- Identify the individual’s strengths or problem areas that may affect the processes of treatment and recovery
- Begin the development of an appropriate treatment relationship
