Instead of prioritizing extensive, and sometimes intrusive, diagnostic exploration without having created client rapport, with Treat First we can find out what brings the person in to see us, listen to what kind of help they are looking for, and prioritize meeting those needs. —all within four visits to resolve what brought the client in, or before a full diagnostic assessment is to be completed.
Talk 2 touches on six critical elements of the treat first model that sustain flexible implementation.
Often times the first session with a Therapist or Psychiatrist performing the assessment can feel like a game of 50 questions ranging from your mother’s prenatal care to your first sexual encounter. Often our clients get discouraged because they don’t think these questions are pertinent to how they feel and what they are going through at this point in time. Let's shift the approach. The treat first model is strength based and client driven which leads to better outcomes, higher “show rates” and less provider frustration.
Treat First is not just a “program” intended to be implemented for a short period, but a shift in practice intended to help behavioral health facilities to improve their ability to serve clients more effectively. Treat First emphasizes meeting the client where they are and engaging clients quickly in services that address immediate needs.
This module will focus on the use of the Check In/Check Out questionnaires in a clinical supervision to develop engagement techniques, improve information gathering skills and help providers to apply solution focused approaches to the client's presenting problems. Special focus will be placed on helping the therapist to reduce resistance using the questionnaires as well as helping providers to become more comfortable in the use of targeted or episodic care.
Talk 3 goes over what details you may need to think about when switching over to the Treat First program.
What did we learn about Treat First in the field? How can we use this knowledge to make the Treat First approach as successful as possible?
Congratulations! Now that you know the benefits and strategies of the Treat First Approach, here are the steps and forms you will need to complete to become a Treat First Agency in New Mexico.
This module is only relevant to those agencies who currently hold a Certificate as a Treat First Agency. At the bottom of your certificate, there is a 'Period of Certification.' It indicates when the period of your agency’s particular Certification ends.