Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Evaluations
"Confidential alcohol & drug evaluations by Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors — clear results, clear next steps."
Why a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Evaluation Matters
If a court, probation officer, or attorney has asked you for an alcohol and drug evaluation, the quality of that report matters. Judges and attorneys need clear, professional documentation, not just your word, to move your case forward. A substance abuse evaluation completed by a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) gives them that record. That can help you avoid delays, extra court dates, and outcomes that might have gone better with the right paperwork in hand. This is especially important for DUI/OUI evaluations and other court-ordered evaluations.
An evaluation matters outside the courtroom too. Substance use affects the people closest to you: your partner, your kids, your coworkers. A confidential evaluation isn’t about judgment. It’s an honest starting point that gives you and your family a clear picture of what’s happening and a real plan for what comes next. For many people, that’s the first step toward rebuilding trust.
It’s also a smart step for you. You may need an evaluation for an employer, a professional licensing board, a DOT return-to-duty requirement, insurance, or your own peace of mind. In each case, a professional LADC assessment is the foundation every next step builds on.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Call (617) 286-2670 to schedule a confidential alcohol and drug evaluation with Lava Health Management. A short conversation with our team is all it takes to get started.
10 Common Reasons People Need an Alcohol & Drug Evaluation
Courts, employers, licensing boards and families all rely on a professional evaluation from a licensed clinician. These are the most common reasons people schedule one.
DUI/DWI charge or conviction Most common
This is the most common reason by far. Most states require an evaluation, and any treatment it recommends, before a suspended driver’s license can be reinstated. In New Hampshire, for example, this is handled through the Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP).
Court order in a criminal case
Judges often order evaluations for drug possession charges, public intoxication, or other offenses where alcohol or drugs played a part. An evaluation may also be required to enter a diversion program or drug court.
Probation or parole conditions
Probation and parole officers may require an evaluation to set treatment conditions or check on progress.
DOT return-to-duty after a failed or refused drug test
Truck drivers, pilots, railroad workers and other safety-sensitive transportation employees must see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before they can return to work.
Professional licensing boards
Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, attorneys and pilots may be referred for an evaluation or a monitoring program after a complaint, an arrest or a concern about impairment.
Employer referral or fitness-for-duty review
These referrals often come through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) after a workplace incident, attendance problems or suspected impairment.
Family court or child custody matters
A judge or the other parent may raise substance use in a custody, visitation or divorce case. Child protective services may also require an evaluation as part of a case plan.
Choosing the right level of care before treatment
An evaluation uses recognized standards such as the ASAM Criteria to decide whether someone needs outpatient care, intensive outpatient care, residential treatment or detox. Insurers often require this step before they will authorize treatment.
Self-referral or family concern
Some people seek an evaluation on their own, or because a spouse or parent urged them to, to get an objective, professional opinion about whether their alcohol or drug use has become a problem.
School, military or other institutional requirements
Colleges may require an evaluation after a campus alcohol or drug violation, and military commands often require one after an incident. Evaluations can also come up after a boating-under-the-influence charge and in some immigration or security-clearance reviews.
Requirements vary by state, court and agency. Before you schedule, confirm which evaluators are accepted with your attorney, probation officer, employer or the agency requesting the evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alcohol and drug evaluation?
An alcohol and drug evaluation is a professional assessment by a licensed clinician that looks at your history of alcohol and drug use and how it has affected your life. It ends with a recommendation, which might be no treatment, education, outpatient counseling, or a higher level of care.
Why would I need one?
Common reasons include a DUI/OUI, a court or probation order, a DOT return-to-duty requirement, a professional licensing board, an employer request, a family court or custody matter, or simply wanting an honest, professional opinion about your own use.
What happens during the evaluation?
You will have a confidential one-on-one interview and complete standardized screening questionnaires. The clinician will ask about your substance use, health, mental health, work, family, and any legal history. Some evaluations also include a drug or alcohol test, or a review of records such as police reports or past treatment.
How long does it take?
Most evaluations take 1 to 2 hours. A written report is usually ready within a few business days. Ask us about rush options if you are working against a court or DMV deadline.
Will the evaluation be accepted by my court, the DMV, or my employer?
Only if the evaluator meets that agency's requirements. Many courts, DMVs, and DOT programs accept evaluations only from licensed or state-approved providers. Before you schedule, check with your attorney, probation officer, or the agency that asked for it, and tell us who the report is for.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Substance use records are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2) and by HIPAA. We release your results only to the people or agencies you authorize in writing. Mandatory reporting rules, such as those covering child safety, still apply.
What should I bring?
Bring a photo ID and any paperwork that applies to you: the court order, DMV letter, police report, BAC results, probation contact information, or your employer's referral form. Bring a list of current medications too. Having these with you speeds things up and helps make the report complete.
What if the evaluation recommends treatment?
The recommendation will match your situation. It could be an education class, a few counseling sessions, intensive outpatient care, or, less often, residential care. We can explain the options and help connect you with providers.
Can I just say whatever makes me look best?
Honesty works in your favor. Evaluators use standardized tools and often check what you say against records and test results. Answers that do not match can lead to a stricter recommendation or a report the court will not accept.
How much does it cost, and does insurance cover it?
Cost depends on the type of evaluation and what the report has to include. Some insurance plans cover evaluations that are clinically necessary, but evaluations ordered by a court or the DMV are often self-pay. Call us at (617) 286-2670 for current pricing and to check your coverage.