Assessment of Deaf dually diagnosed clients

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to explore the assessment issues for Deaf people who have a co‐occurring mental health and substance use problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the expertise of a clinician who works with this client group, also using the available literature on this topic.

Findings

Dual diagnosis for Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users has not been well researched. Deaf people may be unable to access some forms of assessment/treatment due to compromised cognition, understanding of concepts, and material not being accessible in an appropriate format. This paper discusses an approach which may be of particular use to assessing this minority group.

Originality/value

This paper considers an approach which may be of particular use to assessing this minority group. Although current techniques can be adapted such as cognitive‐behavioural integrated treatment (C‐BIT), there is a need for further research to evaluate and develop appropriate screening and assessment instruments for this client group.

Citation

Walls, R. and Hamilton, I. (2012), "Assessment of Deaf dually diagnosed clients", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/17570971211225154