3. Patient Orientation
After screening and admission, the patient will be added to the program and oriented to the goals and nature of the treatment. Everyone must be given rules regarding conduct and expectations. They should also be fully educated about the disciplinary actions they may be subject to when rules are broken.
Regulations vary between program types. For example, non-residential treatment options will have service hours for each available treatment. Residential options will include rules about leaving the campus and family visiting hours.
All facilities include regulations about treatment costs, insurance, and client rights. The counselor must examine each of these aspects to properly educate incoming patients and protect them, as well as the establishment itself.
4. Patient Assessment
Once the patient is admitted to a program and orientated about the specific guidelines of the facility, he/she is assessed by the counselor. This procedure involves one-on-one meetings between the counselor and the patient. Assessment is one of the most vital parts of treatment because it determines the path each patient will take.
During the assessment, the counselor will identify the strengths, weaknesses, and problems of each patient. The counselor will also evaluate the patient’s mental state to determine the best and most effective course of treatment.
Assessment Steps
Identifying Information Obtaining Methods – The counselor needs to approach the patient correctly to help ensure an exchange of reliable information.
Gathering Information – Patient history includes, but is not limited to, personal trauma, alcohol/drug abuse, mental health history, and other addictive habits like gambling.
Completing the Evaluation – This can be a lengthy process, but it’s crucial to determine the proper method of treatment.
Continuing Evaluation – Assessments must be done regularly during the duration of the patient’s stay. Treatment can be changed depending on the progress of the patient and the effectiveness of current methods.