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Figure 20.1 A nurse’s proficiency in psychosocial assessment is vital to providing holistic, patient-centered care. (credit: modification of work “Sailor treats a patient aboard USNS Comfort after a medical evacuation” by Stephane Belcher/U.S. Navy/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

20.1 Mental Health Assessment

20.2 Substance Use Disorder Assessment

20.3 Abuse and Neglect Assessment

A psychosocial assessment is an essential component of the nursing assessment process where the nurse evaluates patients for potential psychological or social risks and identifies opportunities for improvement through various treatment modalities. This assessment allows the nurse to gain insight into the patient’s needs, resulting in tailored, patient-centered care and identification of appropriate interventions and resources to assist the patient in improving their situation. The assessment also helps nurses understand how they may best support patients during recovery.