Dual Diagnosis Assessment

The Dual Diagnosis Assessment is a combination of the Mental Health Assessment and the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Assessment. The focus is on the individual’s biological, psychological, and social history and factors that contribute to the client’s overall mental well-being, current stability, and functional impairment. As well, it will include a full substance abuse assessment guided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. What also makes the Dual Diagnosis unique is analyzing the relationship and interplay between the individual's mental health symptoms and substance use. The evaluation looks specifically at the following: the client’s medical circumstances and current risk and protective factors; history of present mental illness, onset, and coping tools; any presence of substance use or co-occurring diseases; behavioral health history and; family of origin and interpersonal relationships. A clinical impression and diagnosis is guided by the standards set forth by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition. As well, a clinical recommendation is given in accordance the client’s needs and presenting circumstances.