Intake

  

  

As the first point of contact for all clients, the intake worker plays a really important role at a time when people have taken the first and largest step in seeking help. It is not an easy thing to explain Single Session Work, but the most important points to get across to the clients are:

  

• that their worker (i.e. counsellor, therapist, etc.)   will try and get as much done in the first session as possible.

  

• that this is a really useful way for workers to understand better what clients want and need.

  

• that about half the time, clients come back, while the rest are happy with one session. Both

outcomes are OK.

  

• that the 'door is open' for clients to re-contact at any time.

  

It is not the intake worker's job to decide which clients are likely to do well with only one session. This is notoriously difficult to predict. What is much more important is that clients understand that all the usual services that an agency offers will be available to them and that the decision about what is needed will be made by worker and client together at the follow-up phone call.

  

•    Perform your usual steps to assess client eligibility.

  

•    Determine what service is required.

  

•    If counselling is required, explain the SSW procedures and choices.  

  

Single Session service means a longer-than-normal session in which the worker does their very best to be as helpful as possible to you at the time, then follows up by phone after the session to decide together with you what you need from that point on.

  

At this point you have three choices:

  

• You may want a second 'Single Session', in which case the appointment can be made at this phone call.

  

• You may have decided that you need ongoing help, in which case you will be placed on our waiting list.

  

• You may decide that you don't need any further help at this time, knowing that you can

contact the centre again at any time in the future.

  

About half our clients find that just one or two sessions, with a follow-up phone call, is all they need.   Others become clear that they need more - either way is fine. This decision is made by you along with your worker.

  

•    Explain the 'open door policy'.

  

We have an open door policy, which means you can re-contact our service at any time. At any stage in this process you can ask to be placed on our waiting list for ongoing assistance.

  

•    Book an appointment time.

  

I can give you a date and time for the single session and it will be with (name of worker).

  

•    Explain the Pre-SSW Client Questionnaire (Fill it in over the phone if necessary).

  

In order to maximise the time you have with the worker, I'll send you a questionnaire. It just asks you what you want the worker to focus on. Please fill it out and bring it to the session.

Some people don't feel comfortable filling out forms. So, if you'd rather, I can ask the worker to contact you and get the information, or we can fill it in now over the phone.

  

•    Post the Initial Letter to Client outlining the process, confirming the session time and date and the name of the worker, and include the Pre-SSW Client Questionnaire.

  

I will send you a letter confirming your session details along with the questionnaire.

  

•    Ask the client if they have any questions or concerns.

  

•    Notify the referrer (if other than the client), and send the Letter to Referrer to explain the SSW process.

  

We have a policy of notifying referring professionals that we have followed up their referral request.   Is it OK with you if we notify them that we have booked you in for a session and to let them know about SSW?

  

•    Give intake forms to the worker and provide client details, session time and date.

  

•    Complete other required tasks (e.g. risk assessment, room bookings).

  

  

All of the Intake forms, as well as a helpful Intake Flowchart, can be downloaded from the Resources section of these webpages.   Intake forms include a Pre-Session Client Questionnaire, and a Letter for Referrer.