McGlynn (2006) CMHT: A Practical Guide
Spending prolonged time with the client initially
Initial assessments can be lengthy affairs. Not only has a history to be taken from the service user and the social network, but a disturbed person may have to be engaged and calmed down. Then planning options have to be considered and a plan agreed. All this takes time if it is to be done properly. Hours will probably elapse, even for a service user who is familiar with the team. Because their focus is on crisis work, CRHT teams are able to do this. It is time well spent because it allows a therapeutic relationship between the team and the service user and their social network to develop. Teams should not be frightened of spending a lot of time on the initial assessment. (p.18)