Substance Abuse Evaluations

Our substance abuse evaluation service is designed for clients mandated for an evaluation by their school or employer. What makes this evaluation service unique is that anyone receiving an evaluation is excluded from receiving treatment services at Strength for Change for a period of three months. The purpose of this treatment exclusion policy is to assure clients that the evaluation is completely objective and free of any conflicts of interest in cases when the evaluation results in the recommendation for treatment.

All evaluations are conducted by Audra Tonero. Audra is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with over a decade of clinical experience. Her LCADC is the highest credential available for professionals providing substance abuse evaluations and/or treatment. For more information about Audra please view her bio on our staff link.

At the conclusion of the evaluation the most appropriate treatment recommendations will be made. Clients may receive any of the following recommendations which vary in their degree of intensity of care:

1. No Further Action Needed
2. Individual Outpatient Counseling
3. Early Intervention Program: Individual or Group
4. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
5. Partial Hospitalization
6. Inpatient Treatment

Important Points To Note:

While Strength for Change conducts its evaluations under a treatment exclusion policy, clients can waive the policy if they so choose and if Strength for Change can provide the recommended level of care. To waive the treatment exclusion policy at any time, please inform your evaluator and ask to sign the waiver form.

When obtaining treatment outside of Strength for Change, you will be re-evaluated by whatever treatment provider you select. Despite the credibility of our evaluations, all treatment providers conduct their own evaluation as part of their standard intake procedure. If you are re-evaluated and recommended to a level of care different than the one recommended by Strength for Change, have your treatment provider contact us to discuss the discrepancy. If the discrepancy exists because of a clinical oversight by Strength for Change, you will be reimbursed in-full for your Strength for Change evaluation. If the treatment provider is recommending a higher level of care and the discrepancy exists due to a difference in clinical judgment, then (at your request) Strength for Change will advocate and assist you in obtaining the level of care consistent with the recommendation provided by Strength for Change. We will always be happy to serve as advocates for our clients because we have confidence in and stand by our assessment recommendations.

Confidentiality:

Your privacy and confidentiality is always one of our top priorities. The findings of your evaluation (including all drug test results) will never be disclosed to anyone without your signed consent. The only exception to this rule of confidentiality is in cases of child abuse, suicidal and/or homicidal risk.

Fees, Billing and Insurance:

The cost of the evaluation is $335. This fee includes a urine drug test, 1.5 - 2 hour interview, contact with your school or employer and other relevant service providers and a letter stating the evaluation findings and treatment recommendations. Payment is required at the time of service. Individuals with traditional or PPO insurance coverage may be eligible for reimbursement from their insurance provider.