Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What is the purpose of screening in the counseling process?

1. To create a treatment plan for all patients

2. To determine if a patient is suited for a specific facility

3. To evaluate the effectiveness of previous treatments

4. To administer psychotropic medications

The correct answer is: To determine if a patient is suited for a specific facility

The purpose of screening in the counseling process is primarily to determine if a patient is suited for a specific facility. This involves assessing various factors, such as the severity of the individual's substance use, their psychological status, and their overall health. Screening helps counselors understand whether the services offered by a particular facility align with the client's needs and whether the client would benefit from the treatment modalities provided in that environment. Screening also serves as an initial step in the treatment process, allowing professionals to identify the immediacy of the client’s issues and any co-occurring disorders that may need to be addressed. It is a critical first step that can influence the direction of treatment and ensure that clients are referred to the most appropriate level of care based on their unique circumstances. This helps enhance the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes by matching patients to facilities that can best address their specific issues. In contrast, creating a treatment plan requires a more in-depth understanding of the client's issues than what screening provides, while evaluating the effectiveness of previous treatments and administering psychotropic medications are actions taken later in the counseling process, rather than being part of the initial screening phase.