ENSURING THAT YOU GET AN EFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT

Getting it right, right from the start, begins with an assessment of an individual’s perceived locus of control as an important first step. How much the individual is changing for themselves versus how much they are changing for others indicates both the value that the individual has in recovery and the perceived degree of control that he/she has over their life (at least in the eating disorder domain). Individuals often fear that if they are honest about both their intent and feelings of ambivalence toward recovery, that negative implications will further erode their locus of control.

An Assessment should always explore the specific characteristics of your illness, symptoms, eating disorder behaviours and make an initial determination about your readiness to recover. It should also refer you on at the earliest possible time should it be determined that the recovery programs are not ideal for your stage of illness.
Your doctor needs to be involved in every stage of your assessment.
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5. A prospective treatment provider should always explain their approach to treatmenT, clarify expectations and answer all of your questions.
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Your assessment should cover the impact your Illness has had on your life and the lifes of those who love and care for you, your motivation & readiness to change, whilst Identifying and acknowledging your fears and concerns.
• Importantly your assessment must determine core medical, nutritional and behavioural treatment imperatives
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As an outcome of your assessment you should, as a minimum, have agreed upon a rationale (reason) for treatment to commence and determined a treatment plan including a set of guidelines that everyone involved in treatment (including professionals and family) will respect and evelop plans for transition from inpatient treatment where this is applicable.