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Intake Assessment

When consumers are seeking treatment at the McClendon Center, they are first scheduled for an intake with a professional staff member. The intake is usually scheduled at the Core Services Agency, but it can be conducted anywhere, such as hospitals, detox centers, homeless shelters, etc. The number of days between calling for an intake and getting an appointment is nearly always under a week, and is less than that when possible. The intake assessment usually lasts about an hour and a half and provides an opportunity for the consumer to give background and current information about why they’re seeking services. At the conclusion of the interview, the intake staff member mutually decides with the consumer what services are needed and determines a diagnosis. A Community Support Specialist (who functions as a case manager) is assigned, and an appointment is scheduled with the psychiatrist to assess whether or not the consumer could benefit from medication management. Any pressing needs are dealt with at the time of the intake, and the consumer is provided an on call number in case there is a need to contact the Center after hours or on weekends.

Consumers can assist in the intake assessment by having the following information with them: Medicaid and/or Medicare numbers, the name and numbers of an emergency contact person and the next of kin, the name and number of the primary care physician, a list of all medications being taken, and the dates and locations of any hospitalizations.  To make an intake appointment, please call 202-591-0987; the intake line is answered by a live staff member from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.