1. Know who is requesting the evaluation

The first step is understanding who asked for the evaluation and why. A court-ordered drug and alcohol evaluation may have different documentation expectations than an employer-requested evaluation, a probation-related evaluation, a DMV-related requirement, or a personal assessment.

Before scheduling, write down the name of the person or agency requesting the evaluation, the reason for the request, and the deadline. This helps the evaluator understand the context and helps you avoid delays.

• Court or attorney request
• Probation or pretrial services request
• DMV or driver’s license-related request
• Employer, school, licensing, or personal documentation need

If you are unsure where to start, review the main Colorado drug and alcohol evaluation guide.

2. Ask what type of documentation is required

Not every evaluation request requires the same report format. Some people need a basic substance use assessment. Others may need a more detailed written evaluation, documentation for a deadline, or additional review depending on the situation.

If a court, probation officer, attorney, DMV office, employer, or school gave you written instructions, have those available before scheduling. This can help determine whether Colorado Assessments is the right fit and what timeline may be realistic.

3. Understand the difference between an evaluation and treatment

A drug and alcohol evaluation is not the same thing as ongoing treatment. An evaluation is usually designed to gather information, assess substance use history, review relevant circumstances, and provide a written summary or recommendations when appropriate.

Treatment, counseling, education, or monitoring may be separate services depending on the situation and the requesting party’s requirements. For general education about substance use and treatment resources, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers national information and referral resources through SAMHSA’s National Helpline.

Colorado Assessments focuses on helping clients understand the evaluation process clearly and professionally.

4. Timing matters if you have a deadline

If you have a court date, probation deadline, DMV requirement, employment deadline, school requirement, or attorney request, timing matters. Report timelines may depend on the type of evaluation, appointment availability, clinical appropriateness, and whether all required information has been received.

Colorado Assessments offers different evaluation options depending on the situation. Same-day or next-day report options may be available when clinically appropriate and once all required information is received.

Review current evaluation options and timelines on the Services and Pricing page.

5. Telehealth may be available for some Colorado evaluations

Telehealth can be helpful for Colorado residents who need a substance use evaluation but do not live near the office or cannot travel easily. However, not every requesting party accepts telehealth documentation in every situation.

Before scheduling a telehealth appointment, confirm whether the court, probation officer, DMV-related process, employer, school, attorney, or licensing board will accept a telehealth evaluation.

You can also review common questions on the Colorado drug and alcohol evaluation FAQ page.

6. Pricing should be clear before you schedule

Clear pricing helps reduce stress. Before you schedule, ask what is included, when payment is due, what timeline applies, and whether a rush option is available. If you are working with a legal, DMV, probation, employer, or school deadline, make sure the timeline you choose matches your actual due date.

Colorado Assessments lists evaluation options so clients can understand the difference between standard, comprehensive, rush, and complex evaluation needs before scheduling.

Start with the Services and Pricing page if you are comparing options.

7. Choose a provider with a clear process and professional support

A strong evaluation process should feel clear, professional, and organized. You should understand what happens before the appointment, what to bring, when the report may be completed, and how to ask questions if your deadline is coming up quickly.

Colorado Assessments is connected operationally with South Platte Counseling and provides evaluation support through a clear, deadline-aware process. You can learn more about the evaluator and professional background on the About the Evaluator page.

Helpful Colorado assessment pages

If you are looking for a drug and alcohol evaluation near your area, these pages may help: