ABSTRACT
The assessment and engagement issues presented by Tom in the case study could be viewed as typical of the types of challenges presented to professionals. This chapter examines the assessment considerations that come into play in the engagement of people with mental health problems and excessive alcohol use within a predominately community setting, and provides a context for discussion. It considers the contemporary issues that arise in the assessment of people with mental health and alcohol difficulties, the processes discussed have much in common with the assessment of individuals with mental health–substance use problems. The chapter shows that mental health–substance use issues are often complex, and solutions to the problem need to take into account a wide range of psychosocial factors as well as the immediate treatment issues. Assessment is a continuous, cyclical process, beginning even before the professional and individual identify problematic issues.
