lEVEL OF cARE aSSESSMENTS
What is a “Level of Care?”
“Level of Care” refers to the intensity, frequency, duration, and type of of treatment involved in your care. There are different levels of care that people can be referred to based on a lot of factors including safety, substance use, past/current risk, severity of mental illness, willingness to engage in treatment, etc. It's so important that a person is assessed and referred to the correct level of care because if the level of care is too low then the person may be at risk.
For example: Outpatient individual psychotherapy is the lowest level of care because people who would be assessed as appropriate for it would tend to be relatively stable and engaged in treatment, need less frequent therapeutic contact, and require less intense intervention. In contrast, someone who is at elevated risk of hurting themself would be referred to a higher level of care as they would need more close and regular monitoring, restricted access to dangerous things, and more frequent and intense interventions.
What is a Level of Care Assessment (LOCA)?
A Level of Care Assessment (LOCA) is a comprehensive assessment of your individualized and unique needs. The assessment is holistic in its approach, assessing for the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact you and play a role in many areas listed above.
*Referrals are not screened for new patient availability. The patient assumes responsibility for following up with all referrals of their choice to learn about availability and further cost details
Why Would I Get a Level of Care Assessment?
If you are not succeeding in your current treatment and you are curious about other options
For an unbiased second opinion
If you are unsure if individual therapy alone is appropriate to meet your needs
To assess for specific and specialized needs such as substance use treatment
For referrals that are more than just therapy and psychiatry
To identify gaps in care and potential areas of intervention in domains of your life that have gone unaddressed thus far
To assess for specific and specialized needs such as substance use treatment options
Addiction Specific Level of Care Assessment (ASAM-LOCA)
I also provide a specialized Level of Care Assessment specific to the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance-Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions.
The ASAM-LOCA is best for a patient who is questioning treatment options for substance use/co-occurring disorders. It is a similar process as the standard LOCA but with a more focused evaluation of substance use. The Recommendations and Referrals provided at the Feedback Session will also be structured in alignment with the Six ASAM Dimensions (outlined below).
*A patient seeking an ASAM-LOCA would likely be asked to get a medical evaluation if they are not in treatment with a medical provider/psychiatrist at the time of the assessment.
How much does a LOCA cost?
The exact cost of the LOCA depends on the amount of time and resources needed to complete it. This is determined on an individualized basis and takes into account the necessary steps to address the referral question. I will provide you with an estimation of cost through a Good Faith Estimate, which you will approve, prior to the initiation of the LOCA.
As with other services I offer, I do not accept insurance and all fees for the LOCA are out of pocket expenses. I do provide a SuperBill to all patients.
*No Call/No Show or Late Cancel without 48hr notice and starred items above cannot be reimbursed through insurance.
*Patients are required to pay up to 48hrs prior to the administration of services for the LOCA. Patients are expected to keep an active credit card on file at all times during the assessment process.