The Importance of Mental Health Screenings

Mental health and addiction may seem like two wholly unrelated topics, but for many they are intrinsically linked.

The recently released N-SSATS report shows that mental health screening and assessments play a powerful role in treatment. The study, conducted by the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, found that mental health screenings and assessments can be used in treatment facilities to identify clients who have been exposed to one or more traumatic events and who have problematic symptoms associated with such exposure.

Despite the proven importance of treating mental health issues along with addiction, only 62 percent of the 13,513 treatment facilities that responded to N-SSATS said they provided brief mental health screenings for clients, while less than half provided full diagnostic mental health assessments. Of those who make use of these diagnostic tools, not all are following up with treatment. Approximately 21 percent of facilities in the N-SSATS study reported the use of trauma-related counseling "always or often."

Those practices are important because they uncover underlying mental health issues that can play a role in addiction and, if not dealt with, can hinder long-term recovery.

So how does it work? Screenings assist in identifying substance abuse clients that show signs of mental health problems by asking questions that elicit a “yes” or “no” response, while assessments define the nature of the mental health problem and gather more detailed information that may be used to develop treatment plans for clients with a dual diagnosis.

Dual Diagnosis at The Canyon

That’s what we’re already doing at The Canyon, offering treatment that involves the whole person and not just the addiction, giving each individual the best chance of long-term recovery.

If you or someone you love is battling a co-occurring disorder, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.