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Assessment

Using Assessment in Nature-Based Therapy to Meet Client Needs

When I was developing my conceptualization of using the outdoors as an active healing element in 1988, as a psychologist, I knew how much time and effort can be saved in treatment if we have an accurate understanding of the client, their family background, their history, and current objective testing to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment issues. With this crucial information, a treatment plan can be designed for the individual needs of the client. I administered psychological evaluations to all our clients, and we used the information to dig deeper into the needs of each client and chart the course for their treatment.

When I was developing my conceptualization of using the outdoors as an active healing element in 1988, as a psychologist, I knew how much time and effort can be saved in treatment if we have an accurate understanding of the client, their family background, their history, and current objective testing to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment issues. With this crucial information, a treatment plan can be designed for the individual needs of the client. I administered psychological evaluations to all our clients, and we used the information to dig deeper into the needs of each client and chart the course for their treatment.
A therapist and a young man conduct a therapeutic assessment in a relaxed, outdoor setting, a nature-based approach that helps build rapport and encourage open communication.
This clinical approach became the standard for outdoor, nature-based therapy and began to move the field from helpful excursions in the outback to the research-supported, effective treatment option it is today. As the field developed, we found that not every client needed a full psychological evaluation, but many did. Many clients are misdiagnosed, or come in with a plethora of labels that may or may not fit. For example, severe substance abuse clients are actually struggling with undisclosed trauma and must have a more in depth assessment in order to get the help they need. So assessment is essential in the process of treatment.

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A friendly female therapist smiles warmly while holding a clipboard, creating a safe and welcoming environment for a women's mental health assessment or therapy session.

The Role of Assessment at Legacy Treatment Center

During the intake process, all our clients receive a Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment and BioPsychoSocial Interview conducted by our therapists. This assessment leads to an individualized Treatment Plan which is then implemented by the client’s primary therapist and the whole treatment team. If the therapist has concerns regarding the client’s assessment, they consult with me as the Clinical Director, as well as the entire clinical team. When necessary, the family is then advised to get a more indepth evaluation. We offer the opportunity for clients to receive comprehensive psychological evaluations here at Legacy, working with contracted psychologists.

We also administer several objective assessments at little or no cost to the client, including the Campbell Skills & Interest Inventory (CISS) (a vocational assessment), the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (a screener for Bipolar Disorder), the Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) , the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) (an autism screener), the Gillian Autism Rating Scale-Third Edition (GARS-3), and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-IV) (a personality test). These assessments aid us in determining if more testing is needed and help to clarify client diagnoses and treatment needs.

A young woman shares a smile during a one-on-one therapy assessment, showing a moment of positive connection and the relief that comes from being heard in a safe counseling environment.

Ready for an adventure in healing?Discover our unique wilderness therapy programs.