INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT: What to Expect as a New OneEighty Client
At OneEighty, we understand that addiction affects people in very different ways and so there is no single approach to treating it. We will walk you through our intake procedures which are designed to develop a personalized, affordable treatment plan for each individual — based on the results of a comprehensive intake assessment of your medical, emotional, and social well-being. From this assessment, we help clients determine the appropriate level of care.
STEP ONE: PRELIMINARY SCREENING
“We’re the front line. Their initial outreach to OneEighty is typically a crisis call,” Teresa Flory, OneEighty Intake Specialist offered. “The intake team is there not only to reassure the caller, but also to ask a few questions to help better understand their needs.”
“Our intake pre-assessment process is designed to help our team determine how we can best help you address your concerns as well as the most appropriate level of care you need,” explained OneEighty Client Account Manager, Liz Casey. The needs of clients are also screened to assure equitable treatment and to give priority to individuals at greater risk, including but not limited to:
- Pregnant
- IV substance user
- Recent trauma
- Emotional or medical crisis (e.g., withdrawal)
- Currently in physical danger
- Currently being discharged from inpatient treatment
- Partnership requirements (e.g., drug court, corporate referrals, child advocacy center)
STEP TWO: INTAKE & DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
Every client starts with a diagnostic assessment at their first appointment. Intake also involves completing necessary paperwork. At OneEighty, we make every effort to see that our clients feel comfortable, respect their confidentiality, and honor their rights and preferences while completing the assessment process. A legal guardian, parent, or support person is also interviewed when appropriate. If a client is referred by a psychiatrist, and a clinical assessment has already been conducted, the client can begin the admissions process. Walk-in assessments are available — especially in a crisis situation, if a counselor is available. However, it is helpful to schedule an assessment whenever possible.
During intake at OneEighty, we review the following information, prior to gathering information for the assessment:
- Description of assessment services and how assessment fits the treatment continuum
- Expectation of family/significant other participation in assessment, service planning and treatment services (if appropriate)
- Informed Consent
- Limits of Confidentiality and Privacy Rules
- Client’s Rights and Responsibilities
- Grievance Process
- Fee Policies/Fee Agreement
Before assessment can take place, a client must sign the Acknowledgement Form which includes the Consent for Treatment. Clients review and complete the intake information with a OneEighty intake worker. However, they don’t complete the diagnostic assessment with an intake worker. After their intake information is processed, clients will see a clinician for the actual assessment.
Our goal is to determine each client’s unique treatment needs. You’ll find that our assessment process is more comprehensive, and it involves gathering background information including the following:
- Presenting Problem(s)
- Family Background
- Educational history and current status
- Medical History including significant illnesses or injuries, current over-the-counter and prescription drugs, allergies including adverse food & drug reactions
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse history and current status
- Previous Behavioral Health Treatment for client and family members
- Employment History
- Military History (if applicable)
- History of Legal System Involvement
- Trauma and Abuse History
- Religious/Spiritual Influences
- Ethnic and Cultural Influences
- Meaningful Activities
- Alcohol/Drug Assessment including use by family members and/or significant others
- Mental Health Screen
- Diagnostic Impression
- Strengths/assets including how they can be utilized in treatment
- Risk and/or Safety Factors
- Initial Goals and Treatment Recommendations
- ASAM Levels of Care
- Additional assessment tools as needed
It’s not unusual for OneEIghty clients to have co-occurring disorders such as mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses. “We clinicians use assessments to help determine an individual’s eligibility and readiness to begin treatment, as well as the level of care that they will need,” explained Liz. “Because our agency offers so many programs and services, a thorough intake and assessment helps us identify the right combination of programs and services to support a client’s recovery. For example, we are seeing far more clients with a dual diagnosis — mental health and substance use disorder. We have programs, services, and housing to support them.”
STEP THREE: TREATMENT/SERVICE PLANNING
Once intake and assessment are complete, treatment/service can be scheduled. The team at OneEighty will walk you through the various components of addiction recovery and break down how our treatment programs work within this process. At OneEighty, our focus is on developing a plan of care that supports your recovery. Our Medical Director, Dr. Nicole Labor, says it best: “Recovery is a personal process. No two people are alike, and no two treatment plans are alike.”
If there is a waiting list for OneEighty programs or services, our clients are placed according to their level of priority. We work very hard to assure that individuals do not need to be placed on wait lists. Often, OneEighty clients are referred to a recovery coach to help them get started right away.
You’re Not Alone. We’re Here to Help
At OneEighty, we understand that the hardest part is asking for help. The team at OneEighty is here to support you through the rest. The intake team at OneEighty will support you and guide you in making the best choices for recovery. The intake team is only here to start the process of receiving help and they don’t guide or make decisions about a client’s care.
We accept most major private health insurance plans as well as Medicaid. If you do not have insurance, we have a sliding fee scale that takes your income into account. But know that we also provide medically necessary services to everyone — regardless of your financial circumstances.
OneEighty Resources
For those encountering a substance use crisis please call OneEighty’s Substance Use Treatment Navigator Hotline available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year at 330.466.0678. For other resources, click the links below:
Community Relations & Prevention
Substance Use Treatment Navigator Hotline
Intimate Partner & Domestic Violence Booklet (Wayne County)
Self-Help Legal Manual
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