SASSI and Telehealth: Enhancing Access to Substance Use Screening

The SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory) is a valuable tool for identifying individuals with a high probability of having a substance use disorder, even when they might not acknowledge it directly. With the growth of telehealth, the integration of SASSI into remote care has become increasingly important and beneficial. Here’s how SASSI and telehealth work together to improve access and outcomes in behavioral health:

Benefits of Using SASSI in Telehealth Settings

  1. Increased Accessibility
    Telehealth removes geographic and transportation barriers. By offering SASSI Online, clinicians can reach clients in rural, underserved, or stigmatized communities who might not otherwise seek help.
  2. Client Convenience & Comfort
    Completing the SASSI in a private, familiar setting (like home) can help clients feel more at ease and may lead to more honest responses—especially valuable with a tool designed to detect denial or defensiveness.
  3. Secure Online Administration
    SASSI Online allows practitioners to administer assessments via secure digital platforms. Clients receive a link, complete the inventory remotely, and results are immediately available to the providers supporting real-time decision-making during telehealth sessions.
  4. Streamlined Workflow for Providers
    Integrating SASSI Online into telehealth practice reduces paperwork, improves efficiency, and allows for better documentation and continuity of care across digital health records.
  5. Early Identification in Virtual Care
    The non-threatening format of the SASSI makes it a great fit for early-stage screening in telehealth, particularly in settings like primary care, mental health, or school counseling services, where substance use may not be the primary complaint.

Best Practices for SASSI in Telehealth

  • Obtain Informed Consent Digitally: Ensure clients understand the purpose and scope of the screening.
  • Provide Clear Instructions: Walk the client through how to complete the SASSI online or share a brief demo.
  • Interpret in Session: Discuss results during a video session to support rapport and explain findings.

Use Cases

  • Mental Health Therapists incorporating substance use screening into broader psychological assessments.
  • Telemedicine Providers identifying risky behaviors in patients seen for chronic pain or sleep disorders.
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) screening workers during remote check-ins.
  • School Counselors using the Adolescent SASSI (SASSI-A3) during virtual appointments.

The SASSI is well-suited for telehealth and digital delivery. By bringing substance use screening to the client—wherever they are, clinicians can offer early intervention, support recovery, and reduce the long-term impact of substance misuse. The SASSI Institute’s commitment to online tools ensures this trusted assessment remains relevant and effective in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.