15986. INITIAL ASSESSMENT AT AN OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE CLINIC. This paper considers the factors which need to be taken into account during patient processing and assessment of referral needs at an outpatient substance abuse clinic. Includes information on interviewing, taking client histories, and tests of psychological and medical health status. Keywords: drug abuse treatment clinical assessment. Written 2004. 6 pages; 17 footnotes; 5 bibliographic sources. 1,333 words.