Why Do I Need Substance Abuse Evaluation-Pinellas County?
With a Substance Abuse Evaluation, an attorney can present to a judge that a person has a substance use problem or mental illness and needs treatment. An attorney can request that charges are dropped or lessened if their client completes treatment successfully. When someone is evaluated and determined to have a chemical dependency the next step is to get them treatment.
Who needs a Substance Abuse Evaluation?
- Persons with criminal charges
- Clients mandated to treatment for addiction
- Clients with mental health disorders
- Attorneys hoping to drop or minimize drug-related or DUI charges
- Dependency cases where a parent could lose custody of their child
- Attorneys that want a second opinion after an assessment with a different agency
- Probation officers looking for treatment for their client
- Individuals curious about whether or not they have a drinking or other drug problem
- Criminal Defense, State, Divorce/Family Cases, & Personal Injury Attorneys
- Repeat Drug Offenders
Court Cases Involving: criminal charges, psychological trauma, injury, families, dependency issues, mental illness, pre-trial diversion, repeat drug offenders, and more.
How do Substance Abuse Evaluations help?
Research proves to us again and again that recidivism rates drop significantly for offenders when they attend addiction treatment. Anyone familiar with the criminal justice system knows that it becomes a revolving door for repeat offenders. When substance users or people with mental illness are incarcerated instead of treated, they are more likely to relapse and commit another crime. This vicious cycle not only costs the U.S. billions of dollars but, more importantly, is a significant public safety issue.
With an evaluation, an attorney can present to a judge that a person has a substance use problem or mental illness and needs treatment. An attorney can request that charges are dropped or lessened if their client completes treatment successfully. When someone is evaluated and determined to have a chemical dependency, the next step is to get treatment.
West Coast Behavioral Healthcare recommends the least restrictive form of treatment possible. We provide direct intensive outpatient services. We also work closely with numerous residential programs in the community and connect clients with inpatient services as needed.
Facts About Substance Abuse Evaluations
- Used in Court, Probation, Parole & Correctional Settings
- 92-98% validity and reliability
- Effective with incarcerated offenders – federal, state, & local
- Identifies if a substance use disorder DOES NOT or DOES exist (even with other mental health symptoms present)
- Objective, highly accurate, and evidence-based.
- Not subjective or opinion-based.
If you are looking for assistance and need a substance abuse evaluation in St Petersburg, FL, or in the surrounding Pinellas County areas, contact an experienced counselor from West Coast Behavioral Healthcare at (727) 471-8087 today.
What Happens During a Substance Abuse Evaluation
There are three categories of alcohol and drug use: social use, abuse, and dependence. Once your substance abuse evaluation is complete, we will help you determine the best course of treatment to assure a positive future based on your unique history, current situation, strengths, and current needs.
After your Substance Abuse Evaluation, if necessary, suggestions given by your counselor can help define the proper steps to treat substance use disorder. This can be an excellent step for you at a difficult time in your life because it provides professional treatment recommendations that can assist you in obtaining education and therapy around any alcohol or drug issues.
To obtain the most benefit from a Substance Abuse Evaluation, take time to understand why you are coming in, be completely honest, and plan to follow through on the recommendations. Your counselor may recommend counseling or classes to prevent future problems.
24 Hours Emergency Call
Call or Text the Number Below to Request a Callback About West Coast Behavioral Services Today
West Coast Behavioral Services
What to Bring and What to Expect at Your Substance Abuse Evaluation
Once you’ve completed your paperwork online, you can expect to be in the office for approximately an hour. You may want to block a little extra time off of your schedule to contend with traffic, etc. Everyone goes through a tough time, but if you have behaviors and emotions causing substance abuse and it’s getting in the way of enjoying your life, we want to help.
Scheduling Your Evaluation
Plan to spend a few hours with us for your evaluation, just in case. Maybe take a day or half-day off so your head’s clear, and you can focus on issues that need your attention.
Bring Your State-Issued ID or Driver’s License for the Evaluation
We will make a copy/scan of this. This is something you must have, and there’s no workaround. We have to prove who came in for the evaluation since we must immediately forward the results to the referring authority.
Substance Abuse Evaluation Provisional Documentation Requests
Court papers, probation requirements, attorney requests, or other legal documentation includes the demographic information we need to report to your service. We will make a copy/scan of these.
Payment for the Evaluation
We are happy to accept all credit cards and cash for your convenience. We do not take checks.
Sliding fee schedules, payment plans, late night and weekend hours make our facility available to those required to have Individual Counseling by Pinellas County authorities. We work closely with probation, city, and county officials to get you the help you need when you need it.
Hours of Operation:
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |