What is the main purpose of mental health assessments?

The primary purpose of mental health assessments lies in their ability to identify an individual's psychological functioning and to inform treatment planning. These assessments gather comprehensive information about a person's mental, emotional, and behavioral health, which helps healthcare providers understand the patient's unique mental health needs. By evaluating factors such as mood, thought patterns, and behavioral issues, practitioners can develop tailored treatment plans aimed at addressing specific concerns, improving overall mental health, and promoting well-being.

The other choices do not align with the core objectives of mental health assessments. For instance, while evaluating physical health can be important in a holistic approach to patient care, it is not the central focus of a mental health assessment. Similarly, screening solely for drug use is too narrow to capture the broader spectrum of mental health issues that the assessments are designed to explore. Moreover, diagnosing physical ailments does not reflect the primary aim of a mental health assessment, which is concerned with the psychological and emotional aspects of health. All of this underscores the importance of focusing on psychological functioning as a critical component of the assessment process.