Location of Screening: Date of Screening: Interviewer Name: Introductory Questions
1. Introduce myself as the Support Group Coordinator. Explain my role.
2. How are you doing today?
3. How did you hear about our groups?
4. What most interests you about participating in a support group?
5. Have you ever participated in a support group before, here or somewhere else? If so, what was your experience?
6. How does it feel to be here in our office?
7. If it’s okay with you, I would like to start by getting your contact information. [Fill out
demographic and contact information for the client file cover sheet.]
Background and Nature of the Sexually Violent Incident(s)
1. Part of the purpose of this meeting today is for me to learn more about your
experiences and how those experiences have impacted your life. Talking about these
things will help me find out more about whether our group may be a good fit for your
goals and learn more about how to support you. Would you mind sharing with me
more about the experiences that brought you here today?
2. How do you feel like these experiences have impacted your life?
Mental Health History
1. Many people who have experienced things like what you’ve just described to me have many different types of reactions, which is normal. Some people describe struggles with depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and other mental health-related concerns. Have you experienced any mental health or emotional
problems yourself throughout your life?
2. Could you describe them for me?
3. Follow up with each mental health concern mentioned. Also look further into self- injury and other self-harming behaviors.
4. Have you ever had suicidal thoughts? If so, when? Gather specific details, such as what
the thoughts are, when they occurred, and if there is a plan in place to commit suicide. When assessing for a plan, ask about how they would do it, when, where, and if they has access to the materials needed to complete the outlined plan.
5. Have you attempted to commit suicide in the past? If so, when? Gather specific
details on each suicide attempt, when each occurred, and if there is a current plan in place to commit suicide. When assessing for a plan, ask about how s/he would do it, when, where, and if s/he has access to the materials needed to complete the outlined plan.
6. Have you ever been hospitalized for mental health concerns? Gather specific details:
when, where, how.
7. Are you currently taking any medications for mental health concerns? If so, which medications?
Substance Use
1. Many people who have experienced this type of trauma use substances like alcohol or other drugs to cope, numb their pain, or escape their situation. Did your use of
alcohol and/or other drugs change following these experiences?
2. Have you used alcohol and/or other drugs to try to deal with these experiences?
3. If so, how often have you had _______ in the past month. (Get the specifics.)
Coping and Healing
1. As I mentioned, groups can at times become overwhelming and intense. If something
is overwhelming you or becoming too stressful, how do you know? (If needed, for
example: Some people feel stress in their body, have intrusive thoughts or anxiety, or other signs of stress.)
2. Let’s continue and talk more about the supports you have in your life and what you would like to get out of the group. At times, a support group can feel overwhelming or stressful for those participating. What activities help you alleviate stress when it
surfaces?
3. Are there people in your life who you feel like you can reach out to when you’re
stressed? Who are those people?
4. What other supports do you have in your life?
5. Do you have a therapist? If so, how long have you been working with this therapist?
6. Do you plan to continue seeing this therapist while attending our support group?
Client Thoughts about Group Participation: Goals and Concerns
1. If you could identify a goal or two for yourself for what you would like to gain from
this group, what would they be?
2. What concerns do you have about participating in this group, if any?
3. What excites you most about participating in this group?
4. In what ways do you find that you learn best, for example, writing, art, discussions, etc.?
5. What personal strengths will you bring with you into this group?
6. How can I/we best support you during group sessions as the facilitator(s)?
7. Will you have reliable transportation to get to and from the group?
8. Can you agree to participate in all the group sessions?
9. Do you foresee any additional barriers to your participation in this group?
10. How do you like to express yourself (for example, through discussion, art, etc.)?
Follow Up Plans (do not ask clients – for Coordinator records only)
1. Do you have any concerns about this client’s participation in the group? Explain.
2. How will you follow up with this client regarding group participation?