Complex Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment & Diagnostic Program - Inpatient

Sierra Tucson offers a unique Assessment and Diagnostic Program (ADP) to provide intensive, in-depth clinical, neuropsychological, and/or educational assessment. Evaluations can be requested by an individual or as a second opinion by a professional therapist or physician. Sierra Tucson works successfully with patients who require a comprehensive evaluation due to diagnostic uncertainty, complexity, denial, or legal issues. Sierra Tucson has developed a specific program—both inpatient and outpatient— to fully focus on assessment and diagnosis.

The inpatient ADP typically has a 4 1/2-day length of stay. As an outpatient service, the assessment may be accomplished in as little as 1 to 3 days. Brain SPECT Imaging is an optional part of the ADP, whether inpatient or outpatient. Using the full range of resources available at our treatment center, Sierra Tucson can provide a more comprehensive assessment than would be possible in most other settings.

Sierra Tucson's ADP constitutes a whole-person assessment, encompassing all aspects of an individual's life. In conjunction with medical, psychiatric, and mental health psychological evaluations, specialty consultations may address the areas of nutrition, recreation/fitness, pain, addiction, trauma/grief/loss, spirituality, biofeedback/stress, and relationship/family issues. Individuals in the ADP receive numerous psychological tests during their stay at Sierra Tucson. Testing is based on each person's assessment needs and may be clinical, neuropsychological, and/or educational.

Brain SPECT Imaging is an optional part of the ADP, whether inpatient or outpatient. SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scans produce vivid, three-dimensional pictures of brain physiology. SPECT Imaging gives clinically useful information on how an individual’s brain is functioning and adds biological information to the presenting problem, which can assist in evaluation and treatment.

The inpatient assessment period usually lasts 4 1/2 days, but the length of stay may vary, depending upon individual needs. During this time the individual undergoes intensive evaluation, counterbalanced with educational lectures, group therapy, assignments, one-on-one consultations, and some ancillary services.

Occasionally, additional specific testing may be deemed necessary. Through Sierra Tucson's affiliations within the local medical community, specialized testing such as MRIs, EEGs, or sleep studies may be utilized. Additional test results are incorporated into the final report prepared by the Sierra Tucson assessment team.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, a multidisciplinary assessment/treatment team consisting of physicians (psychiatrists and addictionists), psychologists, therapists, and other licensed specialists review assessment data and prepare an integrated diagnostic report. The team reviews the findings confidentially in a round table meeting with the patient, referring professional, and, when appropriate, family members or legal/professional supervisory personnel. The patient's needs and welfare are the focus of this comprehensive report, which is complete with recommendations for further treatment interventions, as appropriate. Teleconference is available for those who cannot attend in person.

Sierra Tucson has been very successful in working with State Boards and professional organizations. Our experience has shown that, at some point, every physician or clinician encounters a patient who would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation due to diagnostic uncertainty, complexity, denial, or legal issues. Evaluations can be requested by an individual, professional therapist, or physician.

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