What is the purpose of screening?

The purpose of screening in the context of substance use treatment is primarily to gather initial information about a client’s substance use and related issues. This is done to assess whether an individual requires further evaluation or referral to an appropriate level of care. Screening helps identify the severity of substance use disorders, as well as any co-occurring mental health issues, which informs the next steps in treatment planning.

When screening indicates a high level of need or complexity, it can be crucial for determining appropriate placement in treatment programs, ensuring that the client receives the most suitable level of care. This process is also essential for the efficient allocation of resources and ensuring that clients do not face delays in accessing treatment services.

In contrast, other options refer to different aspects of the treatment process. Preparing a client for program admission and determining client readiness for change are important components of the overall treatment approach but occur after the initial screening process, which primarily aims to ascertain the immediate need for referral or placement. Similarly, establishing diagnoses and treatment needs is a subsequent step that typically involves comprehensive assessments rather than initial screenings. Thus, while all these elements are integral to the treatment process, the primary focus of screening is to identify the need for further placement or referral based on the client’s situation.