Which statement best differentiates screening from assessment?

• A. Screening is a quick check to identify potential problems; assessment is a comprehensive process to diagnose and plan treatment.
• B. Screening and assessment are identical processes
• C. Assessment is a quick check to identify potential problems
• D. Screening is a comprehensive diagnostic tool

Answer: (A)

Screening and assessment serve different purposes and differ in depth. Screening is a brief, preliminary step used to flag individuals who may have a problem and should receive a fuller evaluation. It’s typically quick, often using validated tools or a few targeted questions, and it isn’t meant to diagnose or map out a treatment plan. Assessment, in contrast, is a thorough, multidimensional process that gathers detailed information about substance use history, medical and mental health status, social supports, functioning, and risk. Its goal is to establish a diagnosis (where applicable), gauge the severity and complexity of the issue, and develop an individualized treatment plan and level of care. So the statement that screening is a quick check to identify potential problems and assessment is a comprehensive process to diagnose and plan treatment accurately captures the difference.