Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Evaluations in Pittsburgh, PA
Serving Monroeville, Wexford, Southside, and More
At JADE Wellness Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive drug and alcohol assessments in Southwestern, PA. As a certified assessment center, we adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring that each individual receives a thorough evaluation to determine their unique needs.
Strength-Based Approach
It is important that each individual seeking treatment has a say in their own goals and objectives. JADE Wellness Center ensures a cooperative approach to care by utilizing a strength-based assessment which is a compassionate and empowering approach used in drug and alcohol treatment services. Rather than focusing solely on an individual’s challenges and deficits, this method highlights their unique strengths, resilience, and assets. By recognizing and building upon these positive attributes, strength-based assessment helps individuals in their journey to recovery, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and motivation. It offers a foundation of hope and optimism, reinforcing the belief that recovery is not only possible but achievable. In embracing this approach, treatment providers collaborate with individuals to harness their innate strengths, promoting a more holistic and successful path to sobriety.
Comprehensive Assessments
Our assessments are guided by the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria, which helps us tailor treatment recommendations based on an individual’s specific circumstances. We believe in a person-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of recognizing an individual’s strengths and personal goals. By doing so, we can craft an initial treatment plan that is not only effective but also respectful of the individual’s aspirations and potential for recovery.
ASAM Criteria
JADE Wellness Center utilized The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria as its primary assessment tool which is a widely respected and comprehensive system for assessing and determining the appropriate level of care for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. It provides a structured framework that helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding the intensity and type of treatment required.
The ASAM Criteria starts with a thorough assessment and multidimensional evaluation of the individual’s substance use and related issues. This includes an evaluation of their medical, psychological, social, and environmental circumstances, as well as the severity of their substance use disorder.
The ASAM Criteria uses six dimensions to assess and determine the level of care:
- Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal Potential: Evaluates the individual’s current state of intoxication or withdrawal symptoms. This dimension helps determine the need for medical stabilization.
- Biomedical Conditions and Complications: Assesses the individual’s physical health, including any medical conditions, chronic illnesses, or complications resulting from substance use.
- Emotional, Behavioral, or Cognitive Conditions and Complications: Focuses on the individual’s mental health, including co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Readiness to Change: Measures the individual’s motivation and willingness to engage in treatment and recovery.
- Relapse, Continued Use, or Continued Problem Potential: Evaluates the risk of relapse or continued substance use and its potential consequences.
- Recovery Environment: Considers the individual’s social support system, living environment, and other external factors that can impact recovery.
Based on the assessment results across these dimensions, the ASAM Criteria guides healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable level of care from a continuum that ranges from the least intensive (Outpatient) to the most intensive (Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient). These levels include:
The ASAM Criteria emphasizes that treatment plans should be flexible and adaptable. As individuals progress in their recovery, the level of care may need to be adjusted. Periodic reassessment helps ensure that treatment remains appropriate and effective.
The ASAM Criteria provides a comprehensive and standardized approach to determining the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking addiction treatment. By addressing the specific needs and circumstances of each individual, it supports a more personalized and effective treatment plan, ultimately improving the chances of successful recovery.
Certified Assessment Center
A Certified Assessment Center (CAC) is a group of PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in Allegheny County that act as the preferred site(s) for drug and alcohol evaluations for Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH) and ALDA insured patients seeking treatment.
All Certified Assessment Centers utilize a universal assessment tool. That means, as long as the assessment is performed within 6 months, we are able to accept referrals and assessments from any of the above organizations and vice versa. Written consent is still required.
A goal of the CAC is to act as an evaluation specialist and ensure all clients are being aligned with a program that best meets their needs, despite where the assessment occurred. Referrals can be made to any provider and does not need to be kept within the Certified Assessment Centers.