ASSESSMENT

An assessment, completed by a Masters Level Therapist or Counselor, is  necessary for admission to certified treatment programs in Alabama. This evaluation, sometimes referred to as a "state assessment" or "ASAM," involves a session with the therapist to determine the appropriate level of care, as well as making recommendations and referrals for the client.

The Counselor conducting the assessment will identify your risks, needs, strengths, skills, and resources to determine the right treatment level, such as Detox, short-term inpatient, long-term inpatient, outpatient, or individual therapy. Assessments involve many steps and sometimes uncomfortable questions. Open and honest answers are crucial for accurate results in your addiction recovery. Steps to follow:

• Be candid.
• Discuss your addiction openly.
• Don't feel defensive.
• Talk about your relationships.
• Reflect on your motivation for seeking help.
• Provide full information about your addiction.
• Be patient; it's a process.
• Prepare basic information in advance.
• Communicate with friends and family for support and arrangements.

If treatment is needed, a recommendation is made to a program to get the necessary treatment for the addiction. This process often takes some time and coordination. Please understand that inpatient programs have only a certain number of treatment beds. Getting admitted to an inpatient treatment program is different from a visit to a local emergency room, where you can walk in and receive an assessment and treatment quickly. Placement in treatment programs takes time and coordination.