-small-thumbnail.jpg?v=1731071636)
Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSAR) programs are community-based services in Texas. They can help advise people who are looking for specific types of healthcare, such as substance use disorder services, but are unsure how to access them. They are often linked to local mental and behavioral health services and can help connect people with appropriate and necessary services.
- OSAR services are community-based programs to help people find appropriate substance use treatment services.
- OSAR is free of charge and can be accessed by anyone requiring information or assessment.
- More information about OSAR services is available on the Texas Health and Human Services website.
The OSAR process
Outreach, screening, assessment, and referral (OSAR) services are free programs available in various locations within the 11 Texas Health and Human Services Regions. They can be accessed by anyone who requires information about substance use disorder treatments and services. [1]
Step 1: Outreach
Outreach services are provided with the intention of reaching people in the community, acting as a starting point for people looking for information on how to receive substance use disorder treatment. OSAR screenings are provided in specific locations across Texas, such as local clinics that offer walk-ins or booked appointments. [1][2]
Step 2: Screening and assessment
OSAR provides screening and assessment for each individual who is seeking substance use disorder treatment. A licensed professional will ask questions to assess the needs of the individual, ascertaining the severity of their substance use and how this impacts their life and functioning. This screening can determine what level of care is required and the type of services that can provide this support.
Related: Drug addiction self-assessment test
Step 3: Intervention
Following a screening and assessment, an OSAR counselor is allocated to the individual as a case manager. They will serve as a point of contact for advice and referrals and may offer a number of sessions of motivational interviewing.
Step 4: Support
The case manager will then continue to support the individual as they await the commencement of their treatment. They can be contacted to provide information and additional support relating to recovery needs. They can also help people with little or no insurance by determining if they are eligible for financial support with substance use treatments.
Step 5: Referrals
The case manager will use the information gathered in the assessment to make a referral to appropriate services that can meet the needs of the individual. This might include local detox programs, inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, or medication-assisted treatment. They may also refer to local services that can manage other issues such as employment or housing.
Who can benefit from OSAR services?
OSAR is a Texas-based service that operates in various locations within the state. It can provide benefits to people with mental health or substance use issues who are not yet accessing treatment and their family members and friends who wish to support them.
Anyone who wants to learn more about available substance use disorder services and how they can be accessed can use OSAR. It can serve as the first point of contact for people wanting to receive treatment.
Key benefits of OSAR for substance use and mental health support
OSAR provides several benefits, including:
- A point of contact for treatment information
- Access to services for those who are unsure of local treatment providers
- Reducing barriers to treatment such as financial or transportation issues
- Promoting and enabling early intervention
- Emergency support such as overdose prevention kits
How to access OSAR services
OSAR services are available across the state of Texas. People can find out more about local OSAR services through the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) website, which provides a map of local services and contact information.
People who are not in Texas can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator.
Alternatively, Recovered offers a directory of rehab and treatment providers across the United States.
