During assessment, what does the term collateral contacts refer to?

Collateral contacts refer specifically to the interactions or communications that a clinician may have with individuals other than the client being assessed, particularly with family members, friends, and treatment providers. These contacts are crucial in the assessment process as they provide additional insights and perspectives on the client's situation, behaviors, and history. By gathering information from these collateral sources, the clinician can form a more comprehensive understanding of the client's needs, challenges, and support systems.

This additional context from collateral contacts can help validate the information provided by the client, allow for a more nuanced assessment of the client’s substance use, and improve the overall treatment planning process. It ensures that the clinician isn't solely relying on self-reported data, which can sometimes be limited or biased.