Additionally, the diagnostically focused assessments seldom took into consideration the psychosocial stresses unique to rural clients. Assuming that chemical use functions within the broader context of any individual's lifestyle, we developed a treatment-focused assessment process. This process is designed to develop a dynamic treatment plan individualized for each client. Diagnosis is secondary, and each client is actively involved in developing a treatment plan specific to his or her needs. Comprehensive assessment is possible because assessments are done by a clinical case manager with solid mental health expertise in addition to chemical dependency training.
Mental health Assess the client's mental health.
In addition to the clinical interview, there are many excellent tools available for assessment of clinical depression and other mental health issues. Many rural clients experience problems of isolation and inaccessibility to treatment. A model of service delivery that emphasizes in-home treatment addresses these problems. In addition, home-based services facilitate the initial first step of accessing mental health services, a step that is often difficult for rural clients because of fears about social stigma or the scheduling demands of a farming lifestyle. A number of physicians have agreed to be on call for such circumstances.