Name of the Procedure:

Behavioral Health Screening to Determine Eligibility for Admission to Treatment Program (H0002)

Summary

This behavioral health screening is a professional assessment to determine whether an individual is eligible for admission into a specialized mental health or substance abuse treatment program. It involves a structured evaluation using various psychometric tools and interviews.

Purpose

Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed:

• Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.
• Substance abuse issues
• Behavioral issues that impair daily functioning

Goals or Expected Outcomes:

• To identify the presence and severity of mental health or substance use disorders
• To determine the need for and the type of treatment program suitable for the patient
• To facilitate the timely initiation of appropriate treatment

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions that Warrant the Procedure:

• Persistent sadness or depression
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Suspicion of substance abuse
• Significant changes in mood or behavior
• Difficulty in day-to-day functioning due to mental health issues

Patient Criteria or Factors:

• Patients seeking help for mental health issues
• Individuals referred by general practitioners, family members, or other healthcare providers
• Patients previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder needing reassessment

Preparation

• No special preparation like fasting is required.
• Bring any previous medical records or diagnostic tests related to mental health.
• Be prepared to discuss personal, family, and medical history.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Interview:

   • Conducted by a licensed mental health professional.
   • Discussion of symptom history and current issues.

2. Standardized Assessments:

   • Use of validated questionnaires and psychometric tools to assess symptoms.

3. Behavioral Observations:

   • Assessment of the patient's behavior during the interview.

4. Collateral Information:

   • Gathering additional information from family or caregivers, if pertinent.

Tools Used:

• Psychometric tools (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale)
• Structured or semi-structured interview guides

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Not applicable.

Duration

The screening typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the thoroughness required.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Mental health outpatient facility
• Substance abuse treatment center

Personnel

• Licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or counselors)

Risks and Complications

• Minimal to no physical risks.
• Psychological distress may occur as patients discuss sensitive issues but can be managed by the professional conducting the assessment.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
• Timely initiation of treatment.
• Improved mental health outcomes and better quality of life. Benefits can often be noticed shortly after treatment begins, depending on the individual's adherence and response to the treatment.

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed.
• Advice on coping strategies or immediate relief measures if emotional distress occurs during the screening.
• Potential follow-up appointments to initiate treatment program enrolment.

Alternatives

• Self-assessment tools, though less accurate.
• Initial screening by a general practitioner's office may offer a preliminary assessment.
• Community mental health outreach programs might offer initial screenings.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Pros: Easily accessible and immediate; less formal settings may be less intimidating.
• Cons: Less comprehensive; may lack the precision and depth of professional screening.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Patients might feel a range of emotions, as they will be discussing personal and sensitive information.
• The screening is conducted in a confidential, supportive environment to minimize discomfort.

Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

• Emotional support is provided throughout the procedure.
• Patients are encouraged to take breaks if feeling overwhelmed.