Quick Guide for Clinicians - SAMHSA Store - Substance Abuse and ...

Criteria for the Placement of Clients in Groups 23Not all clients are suited for all kinds of groups,nor is any group approach necessary or suitablefor all clients with a history of substance abuse.Clients who may be unsuited to group therapyinclude• People who refuse to participate• People who cannot honor group agreements• People in the throes of a life crisis• People who cannot control impulses• People whose defenses would clash with thedynamics of a group• People who experience severe internal discomfortin groupsPrimary Placement ConsiderationsA formal selection process is essential if cliniciansare to match clients with the groups best suited totheir needs and wants. For many groups, especiallyinterpersonal process groups, pre-group interviewsand client preparation are essential.After specifying the appropriate treatment level, atherapist meets with the client to identify optionsconsistent with this level of care. More specificscreens might be needed to determine whether,within the appropriate level of care, the client issuited to treatment in a group modality.