Mental Health Assessments

At Total Health Choice, our first step to providing Mental Health support is conducting a functional assessment to gain insights into our client’s mental health status and overall functionality.

We then proceed to collaborate with the client in identifying their specific challenges and the support they require. The range of mental health issues we encounter is quite extensive, including conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, among others.

The majority of our clients are NDIS participants, and their support is facilitated by a support coordinator. The support coordinator plays a crucial role in assisting the clients in exploring and arranging the necessary support services, as well as making referrals.

Process of Conducting a Mental Health Assessment

As mentioned, our approach begins with a functional assessment, which is applicable to both clients with mental health issues and those with disabilities. Although the format remains largely similar, the focus may differ based on the client’s situation.

With mental health clients, our focus shifts to understanding their mood, motivation, thought processes, and overall well-being to identify the factors limiting their daily task participation.

During the initial assessment, we adopt an informal and conversational interview style to create a relaxed and comfortable environment. This approach is particularly helpful in alleviating any anxiety clients might have during their first meeting with us.

Depending on the client’s response, we may or may not use standardised assessments in the initial session. If further assessments are necessary, we can arrange a second session to gather more detailed information.

As for the goals of our clients, they vary based on individual needs. Many clients aim to regain the ability to participate in their daily tasks, which can encompass personal care, domestic activities, community engagement, or even returning to work or studies. Ultimately, our focus revolves around facilitating clients’ progress in the tasks and activities that are integral to their daily lives.

Goals in Mental Health Settings

Typically, during our ongoing sessions with a client, we start by setting goals collaboratively. Once the goals are established, we break down the tasks required to achieve them. Short-term goals are formulated to pave the way towards attaining the long-term objective.

For instance, if a client aims to return to employment, we first identify the specific challenges hindering them, such as lack of motivation or difficulties concentrating in overwhelming environments. Then, we assist the client in exploring various strategies to address these smaller goals. As each short-term goal is accomplished, we move on to the next one, progressively advancing towards the long-term goal of returning to employment.

Throughout the process, constant communication with the client, their family, or their support worker remains essential. This allows us to receive feedback, ensuring that we are aligning with the client’s needs and staying on track with their requirements. Additionally, we have access to standardised assessments and checklists, which enable us to monitor the client’s progress accurately and ensure that we are making substantial strides towards achieving the established goals.

Regular evaluation and feedback play a crucial role in tailoring our approach to the client’s evolving needs and maximising the effectiveness of the intervention.