Evaluation Services​

A variety of circumstances may prompt an independent comprehensive evaluation. In most cases, persons seeking these services perform safety-sensitive occupations, but others may find a diagnostic assessment by an interdisciplinary team valuable in establishing a course of action. 

Addiction Diagnostic Evaluation in Virginia

A diagnostic evaluation in addiction recovery aims to provide a clear understanding of the individual’s addiction and related issues. This comprehensive assessment serves as the foundation for effective treatment planning and helps ensure that the treatment approach is tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of each person in recovery. It also provides a baseline against which progress in recovery can be measured.

30 years of Diagnostic Evaluation at Farley

Since Farley Center has built expertise in treating professionals with substance use disorders over the past 30 years, our evaluation team is effective at breaking down complex cases based on specific criteria and providing actionable recommendations.

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Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnostic Evaluation:

Treatment for AUD is often tailored to the severity of the disorder and the specific needs of the person seeking help. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving the chances of successful recovery from alcohol use disorder.

The evaluation typically begins with a thorough clinical interview, during which the healthcare professional gathers information about the individual’s drinking behavior, history of alcohol use, and related consequences. This interview covers various aspects, including:

  • Frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption.
  • Patterns of drinking (e.g., binge drinking, daily drinking).
  • Tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effect).
  • Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop drinking.
  • Failed attempts to control or reduce alcohol use.
  • Time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
  • Social and occupational impairment due to alcohol use.
  • Continued alcohol use despite knowing it causes or worsens physical or psychological problems.

Substance Use Disorder Diagnostic Evaluation:

A Substance Use Disorder (SUD) diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by healthcare professionals to determine if an individual meets the criteria for a substance use disorder and to gather information necessary for treatment planning. This evaluation is crucial for identifying the presence and severity of SUD, selecting appropriate interventions, and guiding the individual toward recovery.

The evaluation typically begins with a detailed clinical interview, during which the healthcare professional gathers information about the individual’s substance use, history, and related consequences. This interview covers various aspects, including:

  • Types and patterns of substance use (e.g., alcohol, drugs).
  • Frequency and quantity of substance use.
  • Tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the desired effect).
  • Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop using the substance.
  • Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce substance use.
  • Time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.
  • Social and occupational impairment due to substance use.
  • Continued substance use despite knowing it causes or worsens physical or psychological problems.

Our independent evaluation takes place over two days, and clients enrolled may lodge within a mile of Farley Center with our preferred hotels in the area.

  • An addiction medicine evaluation
  • A psychiatric evaluation
  • A comprehensive history and physical examination
  • A battery of comprehensive psychological tests
  • A biopsychosocial assessment
  • Toxicology using multiple methods

Additionally, neurocognitive testing, polygraph, and other tests are available, and participants are included in groups and campus activities when not being interviewed or tested.

Each participant in the comprehensive evaluation program will be seen by:

  • An addiction medicine physician, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance use disorders and other forms of addiction. 
  • A neuropsychologist, a specialized professional who combines the fields of neuropsychology and addiction medicine to assess and address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of substance use disorders. 
  • An addiction psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance use disorders and related addictive behaviors. 
  • A primary addiction therapist, a licensed mental health professional who specializes in providing therapeutic treatment and support to individuals with substance use disorders or addictions. 

At the completion of each evaluation, an out-briefing meeting is conducted with the multidisciplinary team, the participant, and any third parties.

Following the briefing, an evaluation summary will be provided to all parties and, within ten days, a comprehensive report will be supplied that can be used in a deposition or court proceeding.

Here are some key components of a diagnostic evaluation in addiction recovery:

  1. Substance Use Assessment: This involves gathering detailed information about the individual’s history of substance use, including the type and amount of substances used, the frequency of use, and the duration of use. This information helps determine the severity of the addiction.

  2. Medical and Psychiatric Evaluation: An assessment of the individual’s physical and mental health is conducted to identify any co-occurring medical conditions or mental health disorders that may be contributing to or exacerbated by substance use.

  3. Psychosocial Assessment: This assesses various psychosocial factors that may be influencing the addiction, such as family dynamics, employment status, housing stability, legal issues, and social support systems.

  4. History of Treatment: Information about any previous addiction treatment attempts, including their duration and outcomes, is collected to better understand the individual’s treatment history.

  5. Screening for Co-Occurring Disorders: Many individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis). Screening and assessment for these disorders are essential for providing integrated treatment.

  6. Assessment of Motivation and Readiness to Change: Understanding an individual’s motivation and readiness to address their addiction is crucial for tailoring the treatment approach. It helps determine whether they are prepared for treatment and what level of intervention is appropriate.

  7. Assessment of Risk and Safety: An evaluation of the individual’s risk factors, such as suicidal ideation or a history of violence, helps ensure their safety and guide appropriate interventions.

  8. Drug Testing: Depending on the treatment setting and circumstances, drug testing may be conducted to confirm recent substance use and monitor progress in recovery.

  9. Collateral Information: With the individual’s consent, information from family members, friends, or other sources may be included in the evaluation to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the person’s situation.

  10. Formulation of a Treatment Plan: Based on the findings from the diagnostic evaluation, addiction treatment professionals collaborate with the individual to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include detoxification, therapy (individual and group), medication-assisted treatment (if applicable), and ongoing support services.

Farley is Here to Help

Please take some time to answer a few questions so we may better align you with what services fit your needs at Farley. For more information, you can contact us at 888.707.3220.