Which statement best reflects how often assessment should occur for clients with co-occurring disorders?

• A. Only at intake
• B. At the end of treatment
• C. Regularly over time
• D. Only when medications change

Answer: (C)

Regularly over time is essential because co-occurring disorders are dynamic—substance use, mental health symptoms, functioning, and safety can change as treatment progresses. Ongoing assessments let you monitor progress, catch early signs of relapse, and adjust the treatment plan, including psychosocial supports and medications, to align with current needs. They also help you track side effects, adherence, and new risks in housing, employment, or relationships, which can influence outcomes. Therefore, assessment should happen on a regular schedule throughout treatment and after transitions, not just at intake, at the end, or only when medications change. The other options miss critical opportunities: intake-only misses changes that occur after admission; end-of-treatment timing ignores ongoing risk and maintenance needs; waiting only for medication changes overlooks therapeutic response and psychosocial factors driving recovery.