Intermediate
Formal
IVT
Intake Assessment
Initial comprehensive evaluation conducted when a patient enters mental health treatment services.
Full Definition
The intake assessment serves as the foundation for treatment planning, gathering information about presenting problems, psychiatric history, medical history, substance use, family dynamics, social supports, and functional abilities. It typically includes standardized screening tools, risk assessment, and provisional diagnosis. This differs from ongoing assessments or brief evaluations and establishes the initial treatment relationship and documentation baseline.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase unless beginning sentence; distinguish from ongoing assessments.
In Context
- "The intake assessment revealed a history of recurrent major depression with onset in adolescence." — Clinical documentation
- "All new patients complete a comprehensive intake assessment within 24 hours of admission." — Policy and procedure manual
Also known as
initial assessment
admission assessment
Contrasted with
discharge assessment
Don't confuse with
screening
evaluation
initial interview