What is an assessment?
At OC Specialty Health & Hospitals, our goal during the no-charge assessment process is for everyone to feel comfortable and informed. A licensed Intake & Referral clinician will ask about current concerns as well as past medical and psychiatric history. If applicable, any drug and/or alcohol abuse will be addressed. An assessment allows us to efficiently and effectively evaluate current symptoms so that we may identify a program and services which best meet the needs. A family member or friend may be present during the assessment process, as this may be helpful for assistance and support.
This no-charge assessment is not a psychiatric evaluation. Instead, it determines whether a hospital stay or some other type of service would be beneficial. Once the assessment is complete, our Intake & Referral clinician will discuss the recommendation and then make a determination about treatment options.
How do I schedule an assessment?
An Intake and Referral professional can be reached at 949-900-8426. The counselor will take your call, ask a series of questions, and determine if a face-to-face assessment is the appropriate next step. Our goal is to schedule the no-charge assessment as soon as possible, and same-day assessments are available.
When do I schedule an assessment?
If you are having difficulty at school, work, or home due to mental health or substance abuse issues such as:
- Suicidal/homicidal thoughts
- Self-harm behaviors
- Aggressive/threatening/assaultive behaviors
- Depression
- Drug/Alcohol abuse
- Bipolar Disorder
- Hearing voices/seeing things others can’t hear or see
- Schizophrenia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety/Panic
Or any other concerning behaviors, please call 949-900-8426.
How long do assessments take?
The time frame for an assessment varies, depending on the unique situation. In most situations, an assessment should take 30-45 minutes. If it is determined that hospitalization is the best course of treatment, two hours or less for the admission process should be expected.
