Example Brief Intervention on Marijuana Use
Patient File:
Name: Emily Davis
Age: 14
Reason for Visit:
Emily’s English teacher, Mr. Silva, noticed that she’s been increasingly unfocused in class over the last month, and she's started getting C's instead of her usual A's. Mr. Silva had a chat with Emily, who said things have been hard at home but wouldn’t go into any detail. He referred Emily to you for support. Emily filled out substance use and mental health screens in your waiting room.
Substance Use Screen
Alcohol: Never
Marijuana: Weekly or more (High Risk)
Other: Never
Mental Health Screen:
No risk for depression
Medications: None
Allergies: None
Screening Question
Emily's screening results indicate a weekly (high-risk) use of marijuana. What should you do?
- Give her brief advice to quit smoking.
- Explain that you have to tell her parents about her marijuana use.
- Engage her in a conversation about a plan for behavior change and a referral for support.
- Continue the appointment without addressing the screening.
The correct answer is "C." teens in this category you will provide a brief intervention.
Introduction
PROVIDER: Hey, Emily.
EMILY: (quietly) Hi.
PROVIDER: So, I don't think we've met before, but I think Mr. Silva mentioned me to you?
EMILY: Yeah.
PROVIDER: I've seen you in the cafeteria a couple times. So, how are you doing?
EMILY: Okay.
PROVIDER: (gently) That's good. What's your sense of why you're here today?
EMILY: Um I guess, like Mr. Silva talked with me about being distracted and stuff, so, like that?
PROVIDER: Yeah. Well, you know, I talked with him too, and there are a couple things I was hoping we could follow up on.
EMILY: (sadly) Okay.
COACH: In a brief intervention, your first goal is to build rapport with your patient or client.