Psychometric Testing

We also make extensive use of the Institute of Behavioural Research of Texas (IBR) for psychometric testing. We use the Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment (CEST) Intake form. This consists of short scales for:

  1. Treatment motivation
    1. desire for help,
    2. treatment readiness,
    3. needs,
    4. pressures,
  2. Psychological functioning
    1. self-esteem,
    2. depression,
    3. anxiety,
    4. decision-making,
    5. self-efficacy,
  3. Social functioning
    1. hostility,
    2. risk-taking,
    3. social consciousness,
  4. Therapeutic engagement
    1. treatment satisfaction,
    2. counselling rapport,
    3. treatment participation
  5. Social network support
    1. peer support,
    2. social support

These measures are used for monitoring client performance and psychosocial changes during treatment as well as programme-level functioning.  By re-administering the CEST over time, changes in client-level and programme-level performance can be assessed for treatment planning and management.

Our programme is “adaptive”. This means that we change interventions and approach to individual clients depending on information from counsellors and psychometric testing. CEST is very useful and provides much useable information.

 

Drug Testing

A urine test will be carried out during this phase and a sample will be sent to a laboratory to establish a baseline. We test for:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis,
  • Cocaine,
  • Opiates,
  • Amphetamine,
  • Benzodiazepines,
  • Tricyclic antidepressants,
  • Barbiturates,
  • Methadone,
  • Methamphetamine
  • MDMA (Ecstasy)

We have a zero tolerance to substance use and if a client tests positive for alcohol and other drug use, they will be discharged immediately, whatever the excuse. No exceptions. However, this will be a therapeutic process and not a punitive one. The client will be facilitated to re-enter treatment as soon as possible and will be discharged to a safe place.


First Day

This phase is considered crucial as clients frequently leave treatment during the first few days.

The first day in the programme will consist of completing paperwork, including the comprehensive assessment if necessary. A urine test is carried out. This process generally takes several hours. The new member of the therapeutic community will be assigned a “buddy”. This is a client or peer who has been in the programme for a few weeks and takes the newcomer under his or her wing.