The informal assessment takes the form of a semi-structured interview and should cover the following:
- Mental state.
- Source of referral and current health care providers.
- Presenting issues.
- AOD use history.
- Current situation.
- Personal, medical, and family history.
- Trauma history.
- Psychiatric history.
- Risk assessment.
- Criminal history.
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Readiness for change.
For an effective assessment, it is important to provide a non-judgemental, empathetic, private, and confidential environment. Any limits to confidentiality should also be explained.