Those considering treatment for addiction and other mental health conditions may need to undergo a psychosocial assessment. This assessment is commonly used as part of the stabilization and evaluation process at Driftwood Recovery. Combined with other assessment tools, it gives the professionals at Driftwood Recovery an accurate understanding of an individual’s needs. This is especially important for clients with more extensive needs that require consistent monitoring and adjustments through treatment.
A psychosocial assessment, not to be confused with a psychiatric evaluation, is a valuable tool in this process. As with other assessment tools, it’s important to understand what it is and what is expected during the assessment process. This helps clients prepare, reducing anxiety and stress. To get an idea of what a client can expect during a psychosocial assessment at Driftwood Recovery, they must first learn what this assessment examines.
What Is a Psychosocial Assessment?
A psychosocial assessment is a process used during the client evaluation process to understand a client’s problems and needs. This data is used to help the client create therapy goals and a roadmap for their recovery. Unlike a psychiatric evaluation, which is used to diagnose a mental health condition, a psychosocial assessment examines the client beyond just a diagnosis. Personal factors discussed as part of a psychosocial assessment include:
- Relationships with family and others
- Social and environmental factors
- Family history
- Mental and physical health
- Substance use
- Risk factors
- Self-perception
- Ability to function within a community
- Personal strengths and abilities
All of these factors can play a role in a client’s treatment plan. For example, a client states that they don’t have a supportive home environment, struggle with chronic pain, and have poor self-esteem. Their treatment providers will use that information to create a treatment plan that addresses these needs. By the time treatment is completed, the client will be able to create a healthy environment of their own, receive relief from their pain, and have a stronger sense of self-esteem. It allows for individualized and targeted treatments that give each client the greatest chance of success.
How Is a Psychosocial Assessment Conducted at Driftwood Recovery?
A psychosocial assessment at Driftwood Recovery consists of an interview conducted by medical experts, generally psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric social workers. This expert will spend time with the client to establish a friendly rapport and facilitate trust. The goal is for the client to answer a series of questions truthfully. These answers are then used to help treatment providers give individualized care to their clients. The professionals at Driftwood Recovery work hard to create a safe and encouraging environment for each client. What a client says during a psychosocial assessment may be cross-checked by consulting family members or medical records to ensure the answers are truthful.
The questions asked during a psychosocial assessment vary or may even sound obvious or silly to the client. These questions, though different, can greatly impact a treatment plan depending on the answers. Clients will never be shamed for answering a question truthfully, no matter how sad or difficult the answer may be. Some examples of questions commonly asked during a psychosocial assessment are:
- What goals are most important to you currently?
- How is your relationship with your family?
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Have you witnessed any form of abuse?
- Do you cut yourself or try to harm yourself?
It’s important to keep in mind that a client may need multiple interviews, especially when they have complex needs or are struggling with sensitive issues, such as trauma. Once these interviews are completed, the mental health professional will go over their impressions with the client. This can consist of recommendations for further evaluations and treatment plans, as well as answering any questions the client may have.
Steps to Prepare for a Psychosocial Assessment
There are a few steps a client can take to prepare for their psychosocial assessment. The first is to get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious meal before the assessment. This will give you the energy needed to pay attention and complete the assessment without becoming too exhausted. Secondly, it’s helpful to bring medical and mental health records, such as the result of a physical exam or a diagnosis from a psychiatrist if you have one. Third, you will need to be open and honest about your life experiences, good and bad. If it’s too difficult to speak physically, you can write down your experiences in advance to show to the interviewer.
The interviewer will do their best to make the environment comfortable for you. If you are uncomfortable, it’s important to speak up. They will do their best to ensure that your needs are met, and you can trust that you will be cared for.
The First Steps in Your Recovery Journey
At Driftwood Recovery, the assessment process is a crucial step to achieving sobriety and recovery. Potential clients are always encouraged to contact Driftwood Recovery to ask questions, especially if they are struggling with addiction and other mental health conditions. By utilizing extensive and comprehensive assessments and evaluations, we can deliver the quality and individualized treatments each client deserves. This does not include only mental health disorders but also other areas of need. Clients can expect whole care at Driftwood Recovery, leaving as healthy people once treatment is completed.
It’s understandable to be fearful of things like a psychosocial assessment. Once a person decides to be honest and brave enough to try, they may discover that the journey to recovery is something they can accomplish.
Much like a psychological evaluation, a psychosocial assessment is a useful tool that helps clients get the mental health care they need. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, undergoing a psychosocial assessment is an important part of the assessment process, allowing for swift and accurate care. Though it may sound scary, this assessment is valuable in identifying factors that may impede the recovery process. Combined with comprehensive and compassionate care, clients at Driftwood Recovery can overcome the struggles that are holding them back from success. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, such as addiction, don’t wait. Schedule a comprehensive mental health assessment today by calling (512) 759-8330.