What aspect is NOT usually focused on during the screening phase?

• A. Client goals formulation
• B. Client history assessment
• C. Development of treatment plans
• D. Risk assessment for substance abuse

Answer: (C)

During the screening phase of substance abuse assessment, the primary focus is to gather essential information that helps determine whether an individual has a substance use disorder and what level of care they may need. This involves assessing the client’s history, performing risk assessments, and understanding the client's immediate needs and concerns.

The development of treatment plans occurs after the screening and assessment phases. At this stage, information gathered during screening is analyzed to create a comprehensive treatment strategy tailored to the individual’s specific challenges and goals. Hence, while client goals formulation may emerge as part of the overall assessment process, the detailed planning for treatment is not typically a focus during the screening phase itself. Instead, it is the responsibility of the counselor to utilize insights from the screening to inform future planning once a decision about the need for treatment is made.