What does URICA stand for?

URICA stands for University of Rhode Island Change Assessment. This tool was developed to assess an individual's readiness to change in the context of addiction treatment and behavioral health. The assessment is based on Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change model, which identifies the various stages individuals may go through as they attempt to change their behavior.

The URICA helps counselors and clinicians gauge where an individual is in this progression, which in turn informs the treatment approach. By understanding a client's readiness to change, professionals can tailor interventions appropriately, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. The name specifically reflects its origins at the University of Rhode Island, denoting its academic and research-based foundation in motivational interviewing and change theories.