Holistic Adult Mental Health Assessment Tool
Guidance manual and forms
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
About the Assessment Tool
The assessment tool is for use by professionals who need to assess individuals’ mental health needs. It uses a standard framework, with guidance, for multidisciplinary staff to complete a general, holistic assessment of clients referred to community mental health teams. The manual is accompanied by forms for staff to record the assessment. The manual can be used as a supervision tool and to assess competency in this area.
Content includes:
- Key points to consider before assessment (the 5Ws)
- Guidance on conducting an assessment
- Guidance on information to be obtained
Assessment areas include:
- Family mental health history
- Drug and alcohol history
- Current social circumstances
- Mental state examination
- Risk assessment
The manual seeks to improve standards of assessment across teams and encourage the involvement of carers and service users in the assessment process. The manual provides detailed guidance for students or inexperienced staff and is also a valuable reference resource for more experienced staff.
Vital information for: managers and multidisciplinary staff in community mental health teams, mental health trusts, acute health trusts, universities and students |