Facing a legal charge involving alcohol or drugs is stressful enough on its own. The last thing you need is more anxiety about the court-ordered requirements that follow. For many people in Georgia, the “Clinical Evaluation” is the most nerve-wracking part of the process because they don’t know what to expect.
- Will it be an interrogation?
- Is it a test you can pass or fail?
- Will the counselor judge you?
Let’s clear the air immediately: an alcohol and drug evaluation is not a trap. It is a professional clinical interview designed to help the court understand your specific situation. Think of it less like a police interrogation and more like a doctor’s appointment. The goal is to determine if there is an underlying substance use issue that needs addressing so you can move forward with your life safely.
By understanding the substance abuse assessment process before you walk in the door (or log into your Zoom session), you can approach your appointment with confidence and calm. Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to what happens during a Georgia evaluation, from the paperwork to the final price tag.
Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Paperwork
Before the actual evaluation begins, there is a documentation phase. Whether you are coming to our offices in Atlanta, Marietta, or Decatur, or completing a virtual assessment, the state requires specific documents to be on file.
The clinical evaluator needs to see the objective facts of your case to compare them with what you report during the interview.
You will typically need to bring (or upload) two key items:
- Your Police Report: This is the official account of the incident that led to your charge. It provides the evaluator with the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level, the officer’s observations, and the specific charges filed.
- A Lifetime MVR (Motor Vehicle Report): This is your driving history. Even if you have a clean record, the state requires a “lifetime” history (or as far back as the state’s records go, usually 7 years or more) to see if there are patterns of reckless driving or prior DUIs. You can obtain this from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Having these ready before your appointment prevents delays. If the evaluator doesn’t have these documents, they cannot legally sign off on your report.
Step 2: The Assessment Tools
Once the paperwork is handled, you will begin the testing portion. This isn’t a “test” of your knowledge but rather a series of standardized questionnaires. Common tools used in Georgia include the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) or the DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test).
These questionnaires ask about your usage habits over the last 12 months. You might see questions like
- “How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?”
- “Have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?”
- “Has a relative or friend or a doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?”
Honesty is the best policy here. These tools are designed to detect inconsistency. Trying to “game” the test often raises more red flags than simply answering truthfully. The evaluator is there to help, not to punish, and an accurate picture helps them make the right recommendation.
Step 3: The Clinical Interview
This is the core of what happens during a DUI evaluation. After you finish the questionnaires, you will sit down for a one-on-one conversation with the clinical evaluator. This usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
This is your chance to explain your side of the story. The counselor will ask about:
- Your History: Family background, employment status, and physical health.
- Substance Use: When you started drinking or using drugs, how often you use them now, and if you’ve ever tried to stop.
- The Incident: What happened on the night of the arrest? What was your mindset?
The evaluator is looking for context. A single mistake is very different from a long-term dependency. This conversation allows the evaluator to see you as a human being rather than just a case number.
Clear Cost Breakdown: AACS Atlanta Evaluation Fees
One of the biggest questions we get is, “How much is this going to cost?” In Georgia, the alcohol and drug evaluation cost is largely regulated by the state, but there are variations depending on the type of case.
At AACS Atlanta, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Here is exactly what you can expect to pay:
DUI Evaluation: $150
This is the state-mandated minimum fee for a clinical evaluation related to a DUI charge. If you are going through the DUI Intervention Program (often required for license reinstatement), this price is set by the DBHDD. You should be wary of anyone charging less, as they are likely not following state regulations.
Non-DUI / Criminal Justice Evaluation: $165
If your charge is not a DUI—for example, reckless driving, possession of marijuana, or a family court requirement—the fee is slightly different. These evaluations often require a broader clinical scope, hence the slight adjustment in price.
Rush Services: Varies
We understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and you might realize you need an evaluation report tomorrow for a court date. We offer expedited services for same-day or 24-hour turnaround on reports. Ask our scheduling team about rush fees if you are on a tight deadline.
The Recommendation Outcome
Once the interview is over and the evaluator has reviewed your testing scores, MVR, and police report, they will make a treatment recommendation. This is the conclusion of the report that goes to the court.
Generally, there are three potential outcomes:
- No Treatment Recommended: The evaluator determines you do not have a substance abuse problem and that the incident was an isolated event. You have satisfied the court’s requirement just by completing the evaluation.
- Short-Term Counseling/Education: The evaluator sees some risk factors and recommends a short counseling program (usually 6-12 weeks) or educational classes to prevent future issues.
- Level 1 Treatment: If the assessment indicates a potential substance use disorder (or if there are multiple offenses), the evaluator may recommend a state-approved treatment program, which typically involves group therapy sessions over several months.
At AACS, we review these results with you clearly. You will never be handed a sealed envelope and left guessing. We ensure you understand the recommendation and the next steps before you leave.
Ready to Get This Behind You?
The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual appointment. Now that you know the process, the paperwork, and the price, the only thing left to do is book the appointment and get it done.
Whether you need a substance abuse assessment process for a DUI or another legal matter, our team is here to support you with professionalism and respect. For more information on substance abuse assessments, you can also visit trusted resources like AACS Counseling.
Book your $150 state-approved evaluation today at our Atlanta, Marietta, or Decatur offices. Call us or visit our website to get started.
FAQ: Quick Questions
Do you take insurance?
Generally, court-ordered evaluations are not covered by health insurance because they are considered legal expenses rather than medical necessities. However, we accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
Can I fail the evaluation?
No. An evaluation is an assessment, not a test. You cannot “pass” or “fail” it. The outcome is simply a recommendation based on clinical criteria.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. We follow strict HIPAA guidelines. Your results are only shared with the parties you authorize (such as your attorney or probation officer) and strictly for the purposes of your case.
