Interviewing family members, friends, employers, or other significant others can create a better-informed assessment process for people struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Best Practices for Collateral Interviews in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Assessment

Interviewing family members, friends, employers, or other significant others can create a better-informed assessment process for people struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). These collateral interviews are important because the client may provide incomplete information for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the client is afraid of legal consequences due to their substance use, or perhaps they are unsure of how much they are using. Thus, interviewing others in the client’s life can create a fuller picture of the client’s substance use patterns. These interviews can also be used to identify a client’s strengths and supports for recovery. Please Note: Collateral interviews must be done with the client’s full knowledge and written, informed consent. These are not “gotcha” interviews meant to catch the client’s inconsistencies. Instead, they are a compassionate, supportive, and holistic approach to client care. Identifying Collaterals to Interview

• Was there a referral source to treatment, such as a probation officer or employer?

• Did the client identify anyone impacted by their substance use disorder or addiction, such as a spouse, family member, or friend?

• Is there a community group the client is a part of that may yield significant relationships, such as a religious organization or civic club?

• Are there gaps in the assessment? If so, which individuals might be useful in filling them?

Building Rapport

• Just like with a new client, take time to build rapport with collateral sources. • Introduce yourself, and then explain the purpose of the interview. • Answer questions honestly, without violating client confidentiality. • Emphasize the importance of the individual in creating a comprehensive care

plan for the client. Example Questions

• Describe the patterns of use/abuse you observed in the client. • What consequences have occurred because of the use/abuse? • How has the use/abuse impacted your relationship? • What other concerns have you noted, such as mood or behavioral changes? • What concerns do you have for client safety and/or your safety? • What strengths does the client possess that would support treatment and

recovery? Liabilities? • Have you noted any self-harm tendencies? Note: It’s helpful to explain warning

signs of suicide, and/or to explain that self-harm can include self-injury or suicide attempts.

© Walden University, LLC 2

Adapted from: Sperry-Barno, L., Harper, C., Prillaman, M., & Davis, K. (2016). Collateral desk guide: Interviewing collaterals during the Family Functioning Assessment. Children and Adult Services, Office of Child and Family Policy. https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/policy/Documents/Collateral%20Contacts%20Desk%20Guide%202016.pdf

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