How Do Inpatient Rehab for Married Couples Conduct Intake Assessments?

Understanding the Purpose of Intake Assessments

At Trinity Behavioral Health, intake assessments are the foundation of personalized, effective inpatient rehab programs for married couples. These initial evaluations provide a comprehensive overview of each partner’s mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as the dynamics of their relationship. The goal is to gather detailed information that will shape a tailored treatment plan that addresses both individual and joint recovery needs.

Intake assessments are crucial for establishing trust, identifying potential risks, and ensuring that the rehab environment and treatment approach align with the couple’s unique circumstances. By investing time in this first step, Trinity Behavioral Health sets the stage for a successful and transformative healing process.

See: Inpatient Rehab for Married Couples

Step One: Pre-Admission Screening

Before the couple is formally admitted into the facility, they typically undergo a pre-admission screening. This step may occur via phone, video consultation, or in person. The purpose is to determine whether the couple meets the basic criteria for inpatient treatment and to identify any immediate medical or safety concerns.

During the pre-admission screening, staff gather preliminary information about:

• Substance use history for both individuals

• Relationship status and history

• Co-occurring mental or physical health issues

• Current medications and medical conditions

• Legal concerns or court mandates

• Immediate needs such as detoxification

If both partners are deemed appropriate candidates, they are scheduled for full intake assessments upon arrival at the facility.

Step Two: Separate Individual Assessments

Once admitted, each partner is assessed individually to ensure confidentiality and provide a safe environment for open sharing. This is especially important if there is a history of codependency, emotional abuse, or enabling behaviors.

The individual intake assessment covers:

• Detailed substance use history, including types of substances, frequency, and duration

• Mental health history and diagnoses (such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder)

• Previous treatment attempts and outcomes

• Trauma history, including childhood and recent events

• Physical health overview, including chronic illnesses, injuries, or disabilities

• Personal goals and expectations for treatment

Licensed clinicians use standardized tools such as the ASAM Criteria (American Society of Addiction Medicine) and DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to determine the severity of addiction and mental health conditions.

Step Three: Joint Couples Assessment

Following the individual evaluations, a joint session is conducted to assess the relationship dynamics and how substance use has impacted the partnership. This joint intake is facilitated by a couples therapist trained in addiction and relational health.

Key areas of focus include:

• Communication styles and conflict resolution patterns

• Levels of trust, intimacy, and emotional support

• History of infidelity, emotional detachment, or domestic conflict

• Mutual goals for recovery and relationship repair

• Parenting or family responsibilities

• Financial stressors and legal challenges

This session provides insight into how the couple functions as a unit and what specific relational challenges need to be addressed during treatment. It also allows clinicians to observe interaction patterns in real time.

Psychological and Medical Evaluations

In addition to the clinical intake, each partner undergoes a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. This involves formal mental health testing and cognitive assessments to identify conditions such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

• ADHD or learning disorders

Physical examinations are also performed to assess:

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Signs of withdrawal or medical complications

• Cardiovascular and respiratory function

• Sleep issues and fatigue

• Infectious disease screening (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis)

These evaluations ensure that medical or psychiatric concerns are treated concurrently with addiction, offering a more holistic recovery experience.

Risk Assessments and Safety Planning

One of the most important aspects of the intake process is assessing risk. Trinity Behavioral Health takes precautions to identify any red flags that could affect the safety or stability of the individual, the couple, or the treatment community.

Risk factors assessed include:

• Suicidal ideation or recent attempts

• Homicidal ideation or threats

• Domestic violence or control issues

• Severe withdrawal risk

• History of aggressive or erratic behavior

If any risks are identified, a safety plan is developed immediately. This may involve medical detox, closer clinical monitoring, or even separate accommodations for the couple, depending on the severity of the issue.

Treatment Plan Development

After all assessments are complete, the treatment team at Trinity Behavioral Health meets to develop an individualized care plan for each partner, as well as a joint plan for the couple. These plans are guided by SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and are designed to evolve as the couple progresses through treatment.

Components of the treatment plan may include:

• Individual therapy sessions (e.g., CBT, DBT, trauma therapy)

• Joint couples counseling

• Group therapy sessions (substance use, relationship skills, peer support)

• Psychiatric services and medication management

• Recreational and experiential therapies

• Family therapy (when applicable)

This integrated approach ensures that the couple’s recovery is balanced and sustainable, addressing both shared and personal needs.

Introducing the Couple to the Program

Once the assessments and treatment plans are in place, the couple is introduced to the structure and schedule of the program. Orientation includes:

• A tour of the facility

• Meeting key staff and peers

• Overview of rules, expectations, and code of conduct

• Explanation of therapy schedules, recreational activities, and wellness routines

This onboarding process helps couples feel welcomed and informed, reducing anxiety and promoting engagement from the start.

Confidentiality and Consent

Throughout the intake process, Trinity Behavioral Health ensures that all information is handled with the highest standards of confidentiality. Each partner signs consent forms acknowledging:

• HIPAA compliance and information sharing policies

• Release forms for sharing information with other providers or family (as desired)

• Consent for joint therapy and shared discussions where appropriate

• Agreement to participate in assessments and follow treatment recommendations

Respecting confidentiality builds trust and reassures both individuals that their privacy and autonomy are protected, even in the context of a joint recovery journey.

Conclusion

The intake assessment process at Trinity Behavioral Health is a vital first step in supporting married couples through inpatient rehab. By conducting thorough individual and joint evaluations, the team creates a customized treatment roadmap that addresses the complexities of both personal recovery and relationship dynamics. This multi-dimensional approach sets the stage for healing, trust-building, and long-term sobriety. From medical and psychological screenings to relational assessments and risk evaluations, Trinity ensures that each couple receives the care and support they need from the moment they walk through the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if one partner is not ready for treatment during the intake process?
A: If one partner is not ready or unwilling to engage in treatment, Trinity Behavioral Health may offer alternative recommendations such as individual care or outpatient support while encouraging the other to proceed with inpatient treatment.

Q: Are the intake assessments done together or separately?
A: Intake assessments are conducted both individually and jointly. This ensures that each partner’s personal history is understood, while also evaluating the relationship dynamics.

Q: How long does the full intake assessment process take?
A: The intake process usually spans the first 24 to 48 hours of admission, depending on the complexity of each case and the need for medical detox or psychiatric evaluation.

Q: Will we know our treatment plan right after intake?
A: A preliminary treatment plan is often shared within the first two days, but it evolves as clinicians gather more insights and observe your progress in the program.

Q: What if there’s a history of abuse in the relationship?
A: If there are concerns about abuse or safety, Trinity Behavioral Health takes appropriate steps, which may include individualized care, enhanced supervision, or referrals to specialized resources, always prioritizing safety and well-being.