National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which of the following is not a phase of evaluation?

1. Screening

2. Assessment

3. Confidentiality

4. Evaluation

The correct answer is: Confidentiality

The correct choice is based on an understanding of how evaluation is structured in addiction counseling. Screening, assessment, and evaluation are all integral phases of the evaluation process, each serving a specific purpose in the treatment framework. Screening involves the initial identification of individuals who may need further evaluation, helping to determine the presence of substance use issues. Assessment follows, where more comprehensive data is gathered regarding an individual's substance use patterns, history, and related psychological or social factors. Finally, evaluation encompasses the overall process of assessing an individual's progress and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Confidentiality, while a crucial ethical and legal aspect of the counseling process, is not a phase of evaluation itself. Instead, it serves as a foundational principle that ensures clients feel safe in sharing personal information throughout the screening, assessment, and evaluation phases. Thus, confidentiality supports the evaluation process but does not constitute a phase of evaluation in and of itself. Understanding these phases and their characteristics is essential for professionals in the field, impacting how they approach client interactions and reporting.