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Substance Use Evaluations

Drug & Alcohol Evaluations in Lakewood & Tacoma

Substance use, DUI, and court-ordered evaluations — scheduled quickly, done in person or by secure video, and reported straight to whoever needs them.

A substance use evaluation is how a court, the Department of Licensing, or a probation officer finds out what kind of help — if any — actually fits your situation. It's a routine, confidential process, and knowing what happens in the room takes most of the dread out of it.

Who needs one

Most people who call us were told to get one: after a DUI, as part of a criminal case, for probation, for a deferred prosecution petition, or to get a license reinstated. Some come on their own because they want an honest read on where they stand. The evaluation is the same either way; the difference is where the report goes afterward.

What happens during the evaluation

It's a one-on-one interview with a licensed clinician, in person or by secure video, usually lasting one to two hours. The clinician reviews your history with alcohol and other substances, the circumstances that led to the referral, standardized screening questionnaires, and any prior treatment or relevant records. In Washington the evaluation follows state requirements and the ASAM criteria.

Honesty matters. The evaluation is designed to produce a reasonable recommendation, and an accurate picture is what gets you one.

What the evaluation can recommend

After the evaluation

The written report typically follows within a few days, and we send it directly to the court, your attorney, the Department of Licensing, or your probation officer. If treatment is recommended, we can often provide it here, along with UA testing and monthly compliance reporting, so everything the court needs comes from one place.

Not sure what your paperwork is asking for? Call (253) 279-7992 and read it to us — we'll tell you exactly what you need.

What we provide

  • ASAM/WAC-compliant substance use assessments
  • DUI alcohol and drug assessments
  • Court-ordered substance use assessments
  • In person in Lakewood or by secure telehealth anywhere in Washington
  • Written reports sent to the court, DOL, your attorney, or probation
  • Quick turnaround to meet legal deadlines
  • Recommended treatment available here, with compliance reporting

Common questions

What is a substance use evaluation?
It's a confidential, one-on-one interview with a licensed clinician that looks at your history with alcohol and other substances and results in a written report with a recommendation. In Washington it follows state requirements and the ASAM criteria. You may also hear it called a drug and alcohol evaluation, a chemical dependency assessment, or a DUI assessment.
How long does it take?
The appointment usually runs one to two hours, and the written report typically follows within a few days.
How soon can I be seen?
We can often schedule within the same week. If you're working against a court or DOL deadline, tell us the date when you call (253) 279-7992.
Can I do the evaluation by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations are available in person at our Lakewood office or by secure video anywhere in Washington. Courts routinely accept telehealth evaluations, but if your paperwork specifies in person, tell us and we'll schedule accordingly.
Where does the report go?
Wherever it needs to — the court, your attorney, the Department of Licensing, or your probation officer. We send it directly so you don't have to chase it.
What happens if treatment is recommended?
The recommendation might be an education class like ADIS, outpatient treatment, or intensive outpatient. We can often provide the recommended treatment here and send monthly compliance updates, so you aren't starting over somewhere new.
How much does an evaluation cost, and do you take insurance?
We're in network with most major Washington health plans, including Aetna, Wellpoint, Community Health Plan of Washington, Cigna / Evernorth, Coordinated Care / Ambetter, Kaiser Permanente, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, Regence / HMA, TriWest / VA, TRICARE for Life, and Wellcare. Self-pay rates are available. Call (253) 279-7992 for current pricing and to confirm your coverage.

This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. Evaluation requirements vary by court, county, and case — confirm the specifics with your attorney or the court.

Related services & guides

Tell us your deadline.

Call with your paperwork in hand and we'll tell you what you need, what you don't, and how soon we can see you.

Call (253) 279-7992Request an appointment

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