Relate clinical staff conduct assessments as needed, including diagnostic, chemical use, psychiatric and psychological testing. These assessments are completed to determine and support the course of treatment and treatment planning.

Diagnostic Assessments

Prior to beginning therapy or counseling services, every client meets with a therapist/clinician for an initial diagnostic assessment to determine a diagnosis for treatment planning and for insurance purposes. At this meeting, the client will be asked for background information, current circumstances and concerns, and what they are hoping to gain from counseling. The diagnostic assessment process may take more than one session. Clients can expect to be informed about their diagnosis, to hear the clinician’s treatment recommendations, and to participate fully in determining their own treatment plan.

Mental Health Assessment – DC:0-5 (Under 6 years old)

Relate staff are trained to provide age-appropriate assessments of mental health concerns in early childhood in the context of a child’s overall development and relationships. DC:0-5 assessments facilitate early intervention by helping identify appropriate services or referrals.

Chemical Health Assessments

Relate’s Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) accept referrals for Chemical Health Assessments from other Relate clinicians and from the larger community — families, schools, courts, or from anyone who might be concerned about the impact of alcohol or drug use on their own or someone else’s functioning. The assessment typically consists of a semi-structured interview, completion of detailed questionnaires about patterns and consequences of use, and contact with concerned persons to gather other perspectives. The LADCs compile and integrate the information to provide a final report with diagnostic considerations and recommendations, if any, for various levels of treatment.

Psychiatric Assessments

Current Relate clients can be referred as needed by Relate clinicians to one of the consulting psychiatrists on Relate’s staff. Psychiatrists will complete their own assessments of clients’ symptoms and concerns, with an eye toward evaluating whether medication might be helpful in alleviating distress and/or improving functioning. If medication is prescribed, Relate’s psychiatrists will continue to work with clients to manage a client’s medication needs over time.