What should a COTA do if a client is agitated and cannot be evaluated in time before a group session?

When a client is agitated and cannot be evaluated in time before a group session, allowing the patient to attend the group could potentially escalate their agitation or disrupt the session for other participants. Ensuring a safe environment for both the agitated client and the other group members is paramount. If the client is not stable enough to participate, it is prudent to prioritize their safety and the safety of the group by not allowing them to attend.

Choosing to cancel the group session or permit the client to attend with follow-up evaluation could lead to complications. Canceling the group might deprive other participants of valuable therapeutic interaction, while allowing an agitated individual to join without proper assessment runs the risk of harming both the client and the group dynamic. Thus, the most responsible course of action is to not allow the patient to attend the group until they have been evaluated and stabilized.