Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What is a collateral interview?

1. A discussion with the client to build rapport

2. A process of assessing personal values in treatment

3. A method of gathering information from significant others

4. A structured interview focusing solely on symptoms

The correct answer is: A method of gathering information from significant others

A collateral interview is fundamentally a process of gathering information from significant others who play a crucial role in the client's life. This method seeks to gain insights into the client’s behaviors, patterns, and social contexts that may not be fully disclosed or understood through the client's perspective alone. In addiction counseling, the perspectives and experiences of family members, friends, or other important figures can provide valuable context about the client's situation, including how they are affected by the addiction and their overall support system. In contrast, the other options address different aspects of counseling. Building rapport with a client is key, but it doesn't specifically relate to the information-gathering nature of a collateral interview. Assessing personal values is important in treatment planning but focuses on the individual's intrinsic beliefs rather than insights from others. Lastly, structuring an interview solely on symptoms narrows the focus too much and overlooks the broader context that a collateral interview aims to illuminate. Hence, the primary purpose of a collateral interview is to compile a comprehensive view of the client's strengths, weaknesses, and environmental influences crucial for effective treatment planning.