Definition:
A screening is a formal process of testing to determine whether a client warrants further attention at the current time for a particular disorder and, in this context, the possibility of a co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health disorder. The screening is usually the first stage of a treatment process, but may also be used for various legal purposes as well.
Note that the screening process does not necessarily identify what kind of problem the person might have or how serious it might be but determines whether further assessment is warranted.