What To Except
What Happens at Intake? What is Intake?
Intake is an interview that usually happens during the first appointment. It is a full assessment of the individual’s symptoms, medical treatment history, living situation, social supports and financial resources. This information will be gathered and put in your electronic health record, and is used to help determine the right treatment for each person. If you would like, a family member may attend part, or all, of the intake meeting. This decision rests with the person receiving treatment. Family members can often be the ONLY source of critical details needed to make an effective treatment plan. After the initial intake meeting, the individual’s case is presented to a care team so that a treatment plan can be developed. Within a few days, a member of the care team contacts the individual and begins to develop a trusting relationship.
Who Are Treatment Team Members?
A treatment team approach is the model of therapy we use to treat any and all mental illness disorders. Treatment team members include:
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Therapist
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The Patient or Client
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Social Workers
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Family Members
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Primary Care Physicians (if needed)
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Care Managers and Coordinators
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Peer/Community Support Providers
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Care managers, or coordinators, have the closest and most frequent contact with the patient. They are responsible for coordinating all needed care and are the primary source of contact for families. They also assist the patient or client with problem-solving, life skills development, controlling symptoms, and ensuring that basic needs are met. Appointments with other professionals are scheduled as needed.
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Families are primary caregivers and important partners in care. They are a vital resource for the success of treatment. Feel free to contact the care manager or coordinator, or his or her supervisor, if you have a concern about your family member.
Confidentiality and Care Ethics
Healthcare information is tightly controlled by law. Patients or clients must sign a release of information to allow mental healthcare professionals to speak freely with families about their care. Family involvement is most helpful and welcome as such releases are sought. Even without a release, input or information from loved ones is encouraged. This knowledge can greatly assist in the treatment plan. Other ways family members can work as partners with mental health professionals include:
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Note symptoms and notify healthcare professionals of changes
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Assist in monitoring if medication is being taken as prescribed
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Notify care team if other substances (alcohol, street or over-the-counter drugs, caffeine, etc.) are used
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Notify the care team of income or benefits changes
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Monitor stress experienced by the client or patient and notify the care team of problems
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Ways the care team can help you:
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Provide education about mental illness
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Provide suggestions about treatment options
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Provide 24-hour emergency service in times of crisis
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Provide support and advice
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Discuss concerns and help problem-solve with family
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Provide information about community resources
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Services Available
Services may vary by location so contact the clinic nearest you for complete information. Services available include:
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Therapy and counseling​
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Drug and Alcohol services
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Employment services
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Court Services (DUI classes, DVO classes)
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Social and recreational programs
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Case management
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Referral for in-patient residential care
