I. CLINICAL EVALUATION

The systematic approach to screening and assessment.

B. ASSESSMENT  

An ongoing process through which the counselor collaborates with the client and others to gather and interpret information necessary for planning treatment and evaluating client progress.

 

1. Select and use a comprehensive assessment process that is sensitive to age, gender, racial and ethnic cultural issues, and disabilities that includes, but is not limited to:

- history of alcohol and other drug use;
- physical health, mental health, and addiction treatment history;
- family issues;
- work history and career issues;
- history of criminality;
- psychological, emotional, and world-view concerns;
- current status of physical health, mental health, and substance use;
- spirituality;
- education and basic life skills;
- socio-economic characteristics, lifestyle, and current legal status;
- use of community resources.  

Knowledge

1. Basic concepts of test validity and reliability.
2. Current validated assessment instruments and their subscales.
3. Appropriate use and limitations of standardized instruments.
4. The range of life areas to be assessed.
5. How age, developmental level, racial and ethnic culture, gender, and disabilities can influence the validity and appropriateness of assessment instruments.

Skills

1. Selecting and administering appropriate assessment instruments within the counselorís scope of practice.
2. Introducing and explaining the purpose of assessment.
3. Addressing client perceptions and providing appropriate explanations of instrument items.
4. Conducting comprehensive assessment interviews and collecting information from collateral sources.

Attitudes

1. Respect for the limits of assessment instruments and oneís ability to interpret them.

 

2. Analyze and interpret the data to determine treatment recommendations.      

Knowledge

1. Appropriate scoring methodology.
2. How to analyze and interpret results.
3. The range of available treatment options.

Skills

1. Scoring assessment tools.
2. Interpreting data relevant to the client.
3. Using results to identify appropriate treatment options.
4. Communicating recommendations to the client and other appropriate service providers.

Attitudes

1. Respect for the value of assessment in determining appropriate treatment.

 

3. Seek appropriate supervision and consultation.    

Knowledge

1. The counselorís role, responsibilities, and scope of practice.
2. The limits of the counselorís training and education.
3. The supervisor's role.
4. Available consultation services and roles of consultants.
5. The multidisciplinary assessment approach.

Skills

1. Recognizing the need for assistance from a supervisor.
2. Recognizing when consultation is appropriate.
3. Providing appropriate documentation.
4. Communicating information clearly.
5. Incorporating information from supervision and consultation into assessment findings.

Attitudes

1. Commitment to professionalism.
2. Acceptance of oneís own personal and professional limitations.

 

4. Document assessment findings and treatment recommendations. 

Knowledge

1. Agency-specific protocols and procedures.
2. Appropriate terminology and abbreviations.
3. Legal implications of actions and documentation.
4. How to apply confidentiality regulations.

Skills

1. Providing clear, concise, and legible documentation.
2. Incorporating information from various sources.
3. Preparing and presenting oral and written assessment findings to the client and other professionals within the bounds of how to apply confidentiality regulations.

Attitudes

1. Recognition of the value of accurate documentation

 

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Email: no@nattc.org | Revised March 1998