An initial assessment when beginning your treatment journey for mental health or addiction is a very important first step.  This will pave the way for your recovery, determining the best course of treatment for your current needs.  There are so many treatment options, and there is no one size fits all approach.  Finding the best treatment for you will give you the best chance of long-term recovery.  In order to do this, your mental health therapist or addiction counselor will need to perform an initial assessment.  This will give the assessor a look into your personal strengths and challenges to offer the best treatment approach for you.

What You Can Expect from a Treatment Assessment

To give a well-rounded assessment for finding the right treatment program, there are a variety of tools that the assessor can employ.  One of these is a physical assessment.  This will determine your physical condition.  This is particularly important when you are seeking treatment for addiction, as any withdrawal symptoms can be identified and addressed at the time of treatment.

If you are seeking treatment for substance abuse, your assessment will include a detailed history of your drug and alcohol abuse.  The questions may include what types of substances you are abusing, in what quantities and frequencies, and any history of withdrawal or previous treatment attempts.  Understanding what has worked or not worked in the past, can help to devise a plan for the future.

Those seeking help for a mental health condition can expect an assessment that will help the therapist to determine your current emotional state.  Questions may include what your present mood is and how your mental health is affecting your life.  The assessment will include observations of your mood, behavior, and ability to express your feelings openly.

Finding the Right Treatment Option

There are so many treatment options available for those seeking help for a mental health disorder, substance abuse, or a combination of the two.  This assessment is an important first step to determining your present condition and treatment needs.  You may benefit most from in-patient treatment or be better suited for out-patient.  Those that are at risk for suffering from withdrawal symptoms from drugs of alcohol may be need a facility to manage these symptoms, prior to beginning their addiction counseling.

A professional assessment by a trained therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can help to better understand your treatment needs.  Through these results, they can determine the best course of action for your future recovery. 

It can be intimidating to have an assessment prior to entering treatment, but this will give you the best opportunity of finding a treatment program that will work for your specific needs.  Being honest and open during the assessment will ensure that the treatment option you choose will give you the best chance of success.  It is important to remember that this important assessment can help to pave the road for your future, getting you one step closer to a happy and fulfilling life.