PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND OPTIONS CAN BE CONFUSING.
If you’re confused about the evaluation process, don’t worry, it would be strange if you weren’t. There are many different types of evaluations, and many different types of evaluators. Some providers can perform only one type of evaluation and some providers can perform many. Some providers charge more, some less, some take an hour and a half or two hours to complete an evaluation and some providers will complete in less than 30 minutes. So what’s the difference and what should you look for?
- First, look for credentials and understand the difference between, “certification,” and, “licensure.” A certification is voluntary and represents training within a specific area that demonstrates proficiency within that area. For example, substance abuse counselors will carry a certification like CADCII, CAADC, or CACI, and anger management evaluators may be certified in anger management. These individuals may or may not conduct evaluations within their particular area (depending on who requests the evaluation and what they require), but cannot provide evaluations outside of that area. A licensure, however, is not voluntary. Licenses are regulated by the state and mandated for those practicing within that area. In the State of Georgia, mental health licenses require at least a master’s degree. Licensed providers may carry additional certifications within specific areas, but are not required to do so. Licensed mental health providers will carry one or more of the following designations:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC or LAPC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or LAMFT)
- Licensed Master of Social Work or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW or LCSW)
- Clinical or counseling psychologists represent an additional, doctoral level group of providers who focus on psychological assessment.
- I strongly encourage you to select a provider who carries one of the above licenses.
- The presence or absence of licenses or certifications may affect both the price and the quality of the service that you request.
Why choose me?
I want anyone considering my services to understand up front that my evaluations are typically more expensive and take longer to complete than many evaluations from other providers. However, I believe that this is an area in which you get what you pay for. Evaluators provide recommendations, but the entity who sent you for the evaluation will usually take that recommendation and make it mandatory. You want someone who understands the nature of the potential issue or disorder, and also someone who understands available treatment options. What I guarantee is that, as an associate licensed professional under the supervision of a senior licensed professional, I will utilize objective, valid, and reliable measures of assessment. We will also conduct a background assessment to gain a complete picture before making any recommendation. I can also guarantee that the results of the evaluation will be made available to you and will be submitted to the requesting agency within 2 business days.
Evaluations for DUI Offenses
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) requires that evaluations related to DUI offenses be performed by DBHDD approved evaluators. A list of evaluators approved for DUI offenses can be found here: