what to expect

7 things to know about the Assessment Process

May 30, 2019

1. How do I get an assessment?

LRADAC’s Assessment Center has walk-in times Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can come at any point during these hours, but we advise that you come earlier in the day for your best chance of being seen that same day. Click here for more information on what to expect and what to bring.

You can visit either of our locations:

Richland Campus: 2711 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC

Lexington Campus: 1068 S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC

2. What should I expect when I walk in?

Upon arrival to our Richland or Lexington campus, you will walk into the lobby and be greeted by staff at the front desk. There will likely be others waiting in the lobby for assessments or individual and group counseling. Our staff is prepared to help you sign-in and answer any initial questions you may have.

3. I’ve signed in. Now what?

The intake process is similar to other healthcare facilities. A patient accounts specialist will provide you with information about the cost of treatment and how we stay committed to your privacy. This is also the point of your visit where you will provide LRADAC with your insurance or Medicaid information or discuss payment plans and financial aid opportunities. We accept all forms of Medicaid and you can learn more about what insurance we accept at https://lradac.org/treatment-programs/faq/

4. The Assessment or Screening:

You will meet with a clinical counselor who will complete a screening or assessment with you and work with you in determining your needs. These tools are used to determine your treatment needs according to evidence-based guidelines. During the screening or assessment process, your counselor will go over possible treatment options and will answer any questions you may have. A urine sample will be collected to conduct a drug screen. This is used to assist with your diagnosis and treatment planning. This information will help the counselor determine the focus of services, if needed, and the level of care that will best meet your needs.

5. Creating a treatment plan is done as a team. Here’s what happens with your information:

At LRADAC, we make treatment decisions as a team. Once your screening or assessment have been completed, your assessing counselor will review the clinical impressions/findings of your assessment with the treatment team. Based on your individual needs, abilities, strengths, and preferences, recommendations will be made regarding your next steps in treatment.

6. After the Assessment has been completed and the treatment team has made recommendations, an Individualized Plan of Care is created.

Together, you and your counselor will develop a plan of care that is custom-tailored to fit your individual needs and reflects your strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. The plan is like a prescription, it spells out program/treatment objectives, the recommended therapeutic services, and other activities. The plan includes your responsibilities in treatment, the program’s responsibilities, identifies a person responsible for service coordination and details how your progress in treatment will be measured.

7. Starting Treatment

As a part of your treatment plan, you will be given the day and time to start your services. Entering treatment may be a difficult decision but is a necessary step toward healthy living. During treatment, you may experience times of sadness, anxiety and/or loneliness, but you will also find moments of joy, laughter and hope as you move through the process. It is likely you’ll make new and meaningful friendships with your peers and forge new, honest connections with those who are currently in your life.

Positive outcomes are based upon adequate lengths of service. Although most programs have a minimum length of duration, the length of time you attend a program is individualized and based on your progress.

If at any time you have questions or concerns about your treatment, please share these with your clinical counselor so that this time may be as productive as possible. Your journey begins here…

LRADAC is the designated alcohol abuse and drug abuse authority for Lexington and Richland Counties of South Carolina. The public, not-for-profit agency offers a wide array of prevention, intervention and treatment programs in locations convenient to residents of both counties. The agency has a budget of approximately $10 million and serves more than 5,000 clients per year.