The first thing you need to do is to understand the purpose and scope of the assessment. Why are you conducting the assessment? What are the expected outcomes? How will the assessment inform your case management plan? These questions will help you define the goals and objectives of the assessment, as well as the type and level of data you need to collect. You should also consider the ethical and legal aspects of the assessment, such as obtaining consent, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting diversity and cultural sensitivity.
As a drug & alcohol counselor, we use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria's strength-based multidimensional assessment. It's structured to help identify barriers & obstacles clients are facing, as well as strengths, needs, resources, & social support using a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment broken down into 6 dimensions: Acute Intoxication/Withdrawal Physical; Biomedical Complications; Emotional/Behavioral & Cognitive Complications & Conditions; Readiness to Change; Relapse, Continued Use, or Continued Problem Potential; & Recovery/Living Environment & any problems/challenges/barriers identified become problem statements on the treatment plan that we work on in counseling sessions following the Golden Thread.
The next thing you need to do is to use appropriate tools and methods to collect and analyze the data. Depending on the context and complexity of the case, you may use different sources and methods, such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, records, or standardized instruments. You should choose the tools and methods that are reliable, valid, relevant, and suitable for your client's situation and preferences. You should also be flexible and adaptable to adjust the tools and methods as needed, based on the feedback and progress of your client.
Another important thing you need to do is to establish rapport and trust with your client. This will help you create a positive and collaborative relationship that facilitates communication and engagement. You should use active listening, empathy, and respect to show your interest and understanding of your client's needs and preferences. You should also use open-ended questions, reflections, and summaries to elicit and clarify your client's views and goals. Moreover, you should be honest, transparent, and supportive to build your client's confidence and motivation.
One of the main goals of the assessment is to identify your client's strengths and challenges. Strengths are the resources, skills, abilities, or qualities that your client has or can develop to achieve their goals. Challenges are the barriers, problems, risks, or gaps that your client faces or may face in reaching their goals. You should use a strengths-based approach to highlight and reinforce your client's strengths, while also acknowledging and addressing their challenges. You should also use a holistic approach to consider the multiple and interrelated dimensions of your client's needs and preferences, such as physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, cultural, or environmental.
The final thing you need to do is to involve your client and other stakeholders in the assessment process. Your client is the primary source and partner of the assessment, and their input and feedback are essential for ensuring accuracy, relevance, and satisfaction. You should involve your client in every stage of the assessment, from planning to evaluation, and respect their autonomy, choice, and voice. You should also involve other stakeholders, such as family members, friends, service providers, or community members, who can provide valuable information, support, or resources for your client. However, you should always seek your client's consent and permission before contacting or sharing information with other stakeholders.