Sometimes, in the rush to solve a problem, you can make things worse by trying to fix it before you fully understand it. If you mistake one issue for another—say, you replace your car’s battery when the real problem is the alternator—things will not get any better (and might get much worse), and your frustration is likely to mount.
Why Assessment Is Key
Gaining full understanding of a problem before coming up with a solution certainly applies when it comes to treating a mental health disorder, a substance use disorder, or a combination of the two. In order to find the best treatment plan for an individual, a full assessment is required. Otherwise, time may be wasted and treatment may be ineffectual—putting the person who is struggling at risk of ongoing negative repercussions of their disorders.
That is why Peak View Behavioral Health completes a comprehensive assessment for each and every individual who seeks treatment at our facility. Let’s take a look at the process.
First Things First – You Do Not Need a Referral
In many healthcare situations, you need a referral from your primary care physician before you can seek more specialized treatment. But that is not the case when it comes to seeking care for mental health and/or substance use disorders at Peak View Behavioral Health.
That means you can contact us at any time to start an assessment of your situation—and that first assessment is free. If you are a family member or close friend of a person who needs help, you can contact us about getting an assessment started for your loved one.
What Topics and Issues Are Assessed?
The first assessment is an opportunity to get a comprehensive sense of what issues a person is facing right now—but it is also an opportunity to learn as much as possible about the factors that led up to the current situation.
Our trained staff members will, for example, want to learn about a person’s personal and family medical history. They will also ask about current issues, including symptoms of mental health disorders that may be in play as well as any substance use that is occurring now (or has occurred in the past). And they will work to determine what level of crisis a person might presently be in.
Armed with this collection of information—and in collaboration with Peak View’s psychiatrist—staff makes recommendations regarding an approach to treatment. This is no cookie-cutter recommendation; it is personalized and takes into account all of the details gathered during the assessment.
Determining Best Treatment Options
The first assessment is also a useful tool for determining the most appropriate treatment option, whether it is inpatient acute care, outpatient care, or residential treatment. In the event that Peak View Behavioral Health does not offer the ideal level and kind of treatment for a given person, we will provide appropriate recommendations to allow you to get the help you need in the best possible setting.
In some cases, the assessment may reveal that a person is an immediate threat to themselves or to others. When that is a case, a person may be placed on what is known as a 72-hour involuntary hold—meaning medical professionals have determined the person must stay at the treatment facility for three full days. During those 72 hours, Peak View Behavioral Health staff works to stabilize the person quickly. Once they are stable, the person can begin the appropriate treatment plan indicated by assessment.
The notion of an involuntary hold might seem frightening, but it is important not to let it dissuade you from seeking help. Keep in the forefront of your mind that such a hold is only employed in the most dire situations. In the vast majority of cases, the assessment process will simply result in recommendations for the next steps in your care.
Check Us Out and Make Your Own Assessment
Picking a place to get help with mental health or substance use issues is a big decision. In just the same way that our staff will do a full assessment of your situation, you should do a full assessment of any treatment center you are considering. If Peak View Behavioral Health seems like a good fit for you and your situation, we would be pleased to build an evidence-based set of personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and needs. Whether you need help for a substance use disorder, a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, or a combination of the two, we are ready and able to help.
Questions about our assessment process are among the most common we are asked. The FAQ page on our website is a great place to start to find answers to your initial questions.
For more information about Peak View Behavioral Health, mental health and addiction treatment center in Colorado, please call us at 719-694-0220 or use our contact form.
