What is the purpose of an intake screening tool in VASAP?

• A. Diagnose mental health disorders.
• B. Quickly identify risk factors, current use patterns, and immediate service needs to determine level of care and referrals.
• C. Schedule future appointments.
• D. File the client away.

Answer: (B)

The idea behind an intake screening tool is to quickly gauge a client’s risk, current use patterns, and immediate service needs so staff can decide the appropriate level of care and referrals. It acts as a triage step, collecting concise information about safety concerns (like suicidality or withdrawal risk), what substances are being used and how often, and any urgent needs (housing, transportation, detox, crisis services). This enables the team to determine whether the person needs emergency intervention, a higher level of care, or referral to outpatient services, and it guides next steps in the treatment plan.

This isn’t about diagnosing mental health disorders—that requires a more in-depth assessment. It also isn’t about scheduling future appointments or simply filing the client away; those steps come after the triage information helps determine urgency, appropriate services, and referrals.