title: Clients with substance abuse and mental health concerns: a guide for conducting intake interviews.
abstract: Although comorbidity (co-occurrence of a psychiatric and substance use disorder) is a common phenomenon at both mental health and substance abuse treatment agencies, rarely do such agencies thoroughly assess for both types of diagnoses during their standard intake interview. This article describes the development of an intake form designed to guide a comprehensive assessment of both mental health and substance abuse concerns. The form guides intake interviewers toward documenting administrative and demographic information, substance use and mental health concerns, and variables needed for compliance with grant funding sources. Use of the protocol and provide a clinical foundation for treatment planning and continuity of care for clients, while also providing error-free agency data that can be used for administrative, program planning, outcome assessment, and research purposes.
authors.affiliation: Alaska Comprehensive and Specialized Evaluation Services, Department of Psychology, University of Alaska, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. afcb@uaa.alaska.edu
authors.forename: Christiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brems
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Lorraine L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Namyniuk
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D017144:Focus Groups; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008487:Medical History Taking; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000592:standards