Drug & Alcohol Evaluation FAQs in Colorado

A drug and alcohol evaluation is a professional substance use assessment that reviews relevant alcohol or drug use history, current circumstances, risk factors, and clinical information. Depending on the type of evaluation, the process may include a structured clinical interview, screening or standardized assessment tools, records review, and a written report.

People may seek an evaluation for court, probation, DUI or DWAI-related matters, DMV requirements, employer or school requests, licensing issues, legal referrals, family-related matters, or personal documentation needs.

For a broader overview, read the Colorado Drug & Alcohol Evaluation Guide.

Many Basic and Comprehensive appointments take approximately 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the reason for the evaluation and the person’s history. Complex Legal Matter evaluations require multiple clinical sessions and additional review.

Yes. Evaluations are completed by appointment so enough time can be reserved for your visit. When you contact Colorado Assessments, have your full name, contact information, deadline, referral source, and any forms or written requirements available.

Start with your deadline, the reason for the evaluation, who requested it, and any court, probation, DMV, employer, school, licensing, attorney, or agency paperwork. Prior evaluations, treatment records, testing records, or monitoring information may also be helpful.

Yes. Individuals may request a substance use evaluation voluntarily for personal clarity or documentation needs. If you intend to use the report with a third party, confirm that party’s requirements before scheduling.

The Basic Substance Use Assessment is $350 and uses a standard 10-business-day report timeline. The Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation starts at $500, with a priority report option at $700 and same/next-day report service starting at $900+ when available.

Complex Legal Matter Substance Use Evaluations start at $3,000 and require a case review before scheduling.

See the full comparison on the Services & Pricing page.

Yes, but expedited report timelines are available within the Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation. The $350 Basic Substance Use Assessment does not include rush or expedited report options.

Priority reports are typically offered at $700 for an approximately 3-business-day timeline. Same/next-day reports may be available starting at $900+ when scheduling and the required information allow.

Same-day appointments may occasionally be available depending on scheduling. Appointment timing and report timing are different. A same-day appointment does not automatically mean a same-day written report.

Same-day or next-day written report service is an expedited option within the Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation and starts at $900+ when available.

Basic Substance Use Assessments use the standard 10-business-day report timeline. Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluations may use a standard timeline, a priority approximately 3-business-day timeline, or limited same/next-day report service when available.

Complex Legal Matter report timing depends on the number of sessions, records, outside information, monitoring data, and other information needed for the case.

For same-day or next-day Comprehensive report requests, payment is required before the appointment is reserved. Payment details for other options are reviewed when you schedule. Urgent appointment times are not held without required payment.

Scheduling depends on current availability and the type of evaluation you need. If you need a faster written report, the Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation offers priority and limited same/next-day options.

Call or text before booking and share your exact deadline, referral source, and any forms or instructions.

Acceptance is determined by the requesting party. Colorado Assessments provides professional substance use evaluations and written documentation, but no provider can guarantee acceptance by every court, probation department, DMV process, employer, school, licensing body, attorney, or agency.

Confirm any required provider credential, report format, telehealth rule, form, deadline, or submission process before scheduling.

Many court and probation requests are better suited to the Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation because they often require more detailed documentation than the Basic assessment. More complicated legal matters involving extensive records, conflicting information, outside contacts, or monitoring may require the Complex Legal Matter evaluation.

Call or text before selecting the lowest-cost option if a court or probation department requested the evaluation.

Not necessarily. Some out-of-state DUI or DMV matters can be handled while the client is in Colorado, but requirements vary by state and case.

Out-of-state DMV reinstatement matters generally require a Comprehensive Substance Use Evaluation because another state’s requirements, forms, or documentation standards may need to be researched and addressed. Confirm the originating state’s requirements before scheduling.

A court or attorney may request substance use evaluation documentation in a family-law matter. Colorado Assessments can address the substance-use concerns when the request fits the services offered.

A substance use evaluation is not a child custody evaluation, CFI, PRE, psychological evaluation, domestic-violence risk assessment, parenting-time recommendation, or legal opinion.

No. Colorado Assessments provides clinical evaluation and written documentation, not legal advice. Clients should rely on their attorney, court, probation department, DMV, or other requesting party for legal or procedural direction.

It depends on who requested the evaluation. Courts, probation departments, DMV processes, employers, schools, licensing bodies, attorneys, and agencies may use different rules.

Before choosing telehealth, confirm whether remote completion and telehealth documentation are accepted for your specific matter.

Telehealth may be available for Colorado residents. If a court, probation department, DMV process, attorney, or other organization requested the evaluation, confirm that online completion is accepted before scheduling.

Price is only one factor. Colorado Assessments is based in Englewood and offers local support, in-person appointments, Colorado-focused evaluation pathways, and telehealth when appropriate.

If another organization requested the evaluation, the more important question is whether the provider, report, and delivery format meet that organization’s requirements.

Colorado Assessments serves Colorado residents, with in-person appointments in Englewood and telehealth options when appropriate.

Common Denver Metro service areas include Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Littleton, Englewood, Golden, Lone Tree, Evergreen, and Morrison.

The report may include relevant substance use history, current circumstances, screening or assessment information, clinical impressions, and recommendations when appropriate.

Basic, Comprehensive, and Complex Legal Matter evaluations include different levels of records review, testing, outside information, and written detail.

Your report is generally provided according to the agreed release and submission process. Third parties receive information only when you authorize release or when another legally applicable process requires it.

If a third party requested the evaluation, confirm its submission instructions before the appointment.

Some employers may request an evaluation or documentation following a workplace incident, policy issue, leave, or other employment-related concern. Requirements vary by employer, so confirm exactly what type of evaluation, provider credential, report, or form is being requested.

Yes. Workplace Accommodation Documentation is a separate clinical documentation service starting at $300 and includes one clinical session.

Documentation may include a support letter or a standard employer form when supported by the clinical findings. Approval by an employer or other organization cannot be guaranteed. Additional records review, forms, documents, or follow-up appointments may require additional fees.

Concerns involving kratom, 7-OH products, gummies, shots, and other emerging substances can be discussed as part of a substance use evaluation when clinically relevant. The evaluator considers the person’s use pattern, functioning, reported effects, and other relevant clinical information rather than relying only on how the product is marketed.

Colorado Assessments provides evaluation and documentation services in connection with South Platte Counseling in Englewood, Colorado.

Learn more on the About the Evaluator page.