Completing a Client Assessment

The nurse reflects on the following when engaging the client:

• What are his/her own perceptions?
• What is the client’s addiction history?
• What is the client’s mental health history?
• What are the client’s goals for treatment?
• Understands the client's perceptions of treatment
• What does the client know about addiction and treatment choices?
• Has the client previously sought treatment?
• What type of program was it?
• What was the outcome?
• What is the client’s social situation?
• Housing
• Employment
• Food security
•  Education
•  Social supports
• History of criminality
• What are actual and perceived barriers to treatment?
• Cultural
• Economic
• Transportation
• Finances/ insurance
• Emotional
• Psychiatric
• Stigma
• Other addictions