Driver’s License Reinstatement

Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling provides professional driver’s license reinstatement assessments using telehealth technology (video or phone). The reinstatement depends on the state’s judicial mandate. In most cases, state motor vehicle bureaus have a specific set of paperwork that needs to be completed by the professional evaluator. Once you have completed an interview with your evaluator and provided us with your forms, your evaluator will complete your state motor vehicle forms.

All our evaluators have an education of a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, and master’s degree and hold a current state license, allowing them to diagnose and treat substance use disorders. However, completing an assessment with us does not guarantee that the driver’s license will be reinstated. In some cases, when it is professionally appropriate, your evaluator may recommend that you complete some education or treatment before being considered for license reinstatement. Our evaluators can also review any education or treatment you have completed to determine if you have complied with your state’s education or treatment requirements.

Court Mandated Alcohol or Court Assessment

When a court mandates an alcohol assessment (often referred to as a “court-mandated alcohol assessment” or “court-ordered substance abuse evaluation”), it is typically due to an individual’s legal involvement that suggests potential substance abuse issues. The result from DUI/DWI arrests, alcohol-related violent incidents, child custody cases, or other legal scenarios where alcohol or substance misuse is suspected.

1.Arizona
2.Connecticut
3.Florida
4.Indiana
5.New Jersey
6.New York, and
7.Pennsylvania
Here’s a general overview of what this assessment process might entail:

Court-Mandated Alcohol Assessment Process

1. Referral and Documentation:
The court provides an order or referral for the individual (the “respondent”) to undergo an alcohol assessment. This document will detail the reasons for the evaluation and any specific requirements.

2. Selection of Evaluator:
The respondent must choose an evaluator, typically a licensed counselor, psychologist, or addiction specialist, familiar with substance abuse issues and approved by the court. Some jurisdictions may have specific providers they work with, while others may allow the respondent to choose, provided the evaluator meets particular criteria.

3. Initial Interview:
The respondent meets with the evaluator for an in-depth interview. The evaluator will:

• Review the respondent’s alcohol and drug use history.
• Discuss the incident that led to the court order.
• Gather background information (e.g., medical, employment, family history).
• Discuss any previous treatments or interventions.

4. Standardized Testing:
The respondent may be asked to complete standardized questionnaires or tests that help determine the extent of their substance use and the potential for addiction.

5. Collateral Information:
The evaluator may gather additional information from other sources, such as:

• Criminal history checks.
• Interviews with family members or close friends.
• Reviewing medical records or previous treatment records.
• Blood or urine tests for substances.

6. Report Preparation:
The evaluator will compile the findings and prepare a report that includes:

• Summary of the assessment’s findings.
• Diagnosis (if applicable) regarding substance use disorders.
• Recommendations for treatment or intervention (e.g., detoxification, outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, educational classes).

7. Report Submission:
The report is submitted to the court and other relevant parties (like attorneys or probation officers). The respondent usually receives a copy as well.

8. Court Review and Decision:
The court will review the assessment report and determine the next steps, it can include:

• Mandating the respondent to attend a treatment program.
• Ordering periodic drug or alcohol tests.
• Imposing fines or community service.
• Adjusting probation or parole terms.
• Any other actions deemed appropriate based on the assessment’s findings.

9. Compliance and Monitoring:
The respondent must comply with the court’s orders. Non-compliance can lead to further legal consequences. The court, probation officers, or treatment providers may monitor the respondent’s progress to ensure adherence.

DUI Alcohol Assessment

We provide professional alcohol assessments and evaluations online and by phone for individuals. While most DUI arrests are not due to a condition of alcoholism, courts often require that an alcohol assessment is to be completed by a qualified professional.

The evaluation determines if an actual alcohol use disorder exists and whether education or treatment is recommended to minimize public or personal risk in the future. Our evaluators have United States licenses Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Service (OASAS) credentials to diagnose mental health and treat substance use disorders.

Drug and Alcohol Assessments

Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling provides professional drug and alcohol assessments and evaluations online using web video or phone calls. An arrest or charge that the driver was accused of impairment from mind-altering substance use or both drug and alcohol use.

A drug and alcohol assessment is often required when a prescription medication, street drug, or alcohol are part of the following circumstances:

• A Driving Under the Influence
• Driving While Impaired/Driving While Intoxicated,
• Operating While Intoxicated
• Drink-Driving (DUI/DWI)

Other court-related charges include possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia, trespassing, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and domestic violence—a general request by a physician or where the physician has concerns about abuse of prescription medication.

If you or someone close to you have a concern about the use of drugs and alcohol and you would like an assessment, Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling provides drug and alcohol assessments. Specimen Urine Analysis may be requested as part of your assessment. The need for the test is determined on a case-by-case basis by your assessor or the requesting expert.

Marijuana Cannabis Assessment
Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling provides professional marijuana cannabis assessments.

Courts and employers routinely ask for a marijuana evaluation in cases when there has been an arrest involving cannabis or a positive drug test for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from the use of several cannabis products. Our assessment seeks to support you and the court (or employer) to get a precise depiction of your use of cannabis products. We recognize that states and local laws are rapidly developing around the U.S., given that attitudes towards cannabis are evolving in the process, primarily as more up-to-date research is published. We are strictly confidential.

Athletes Substance Abuse Assessment
Substance dependence or abuse happens in all sports and at most levels of competition. Athletic life may lead to drug use for a few reasons, including performance enhancement, self-treating otherwise untreated mental illness, and dealing with stressors, such as pressure to perform, injuries, physical pain, and retirement from the sport. We are not here to judge but to help you get in top shape mentally to reach your all-star goals.
Professional Sport:

• Baseball (MLB)
• Football (NFL)
• Basketball (NBA)
• Golf

Medical Professionals Substance Abuse Assessment

Substance abuse among medical professionals is a significant concern, given the potential implications for patient care and safety. Medical professionals have demanding careers; some may use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. Given their knowledge and drug access, they might be more adept at hiding their addictions, making the problem even more insidious. Medical or Professional License reinstatement depends on your state judicial order and state medical and educational board.

When a medical professional is suspected of having a substance abuse problem, it’s essential to carry out a thorough and impartial assessment. Here’s a general overview of what a substance abuse assessment for medical professionals might entail:

Substance Abuse Assessment Process for Medical Professionals

1. Trigger for Evaluation:
There could be various triggers for such an assessment:

• Observed impairment while on duty.
• Positive drug or alcohol test.
• Complaints or concerns from colleagues or patients.
• Legal issues, such as DUI.

2. Immediate Actions:
For patient safety, the suspected individual might be immediately suspended or given non-patient-care duties pending the assessment results.

3. Selection of Evaluator:
The evaluator must be:

• Independent and impartial.
• Skilled in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry.
• Familiar with the unique challenges faced by medical professionals.

4. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The assessment process should be in-depth and may include:

• Detailed interviews about the professional’s substance use history, work history, and personal life.
• Medical examinations, including blood, hair, or urine tests.
• Psychological evaluations.
• Review of workplace records and any other relevant documentation.

5. Collateral Information:
Additional data may be gathered from:

• Interviews with colleagues, family members, or friends.
• Observations at the workplace.
• Previous medical or therapy records.

6. Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the collected data, the evaluator will:

• Determine if there’s a substance abuse or addiction issue.
• Assess the severity of the problem.
• Recommend appropriate treatment, from outpatient therapy to inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation.

7. Reporting:
A comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the relevant bodies, such as:

• The medical board or licensing entity.
• The medical professional’s employer or affiliated hospital.
• Any legal entities involved.

8. Treatment and Monitoring:
If a substance abuse issue is confirmed:

• The medical professional may be required to undergo treatment.
• They may be subject to periodic drug or alcohol tests.
• They might be given conditional work arrangements, such as supervised practice.
• Regular check-ins with addiction specialists may be mandated.

9. Return to Work:
The return to complete duties should be a gradual process:

• Initially, the professional might have restrictions on their practice.
• They may be required to attend regular therapy or support group meetings.
• Colleagues might be asked to observe and report any concerns.

10. Ongoing Support:
It’s essential to ensure long-term recovery:

• The medical professional should have access to ongoing therapy or counseling.
• Support groups specifically for healthcare professionals with addiction issues can be beneficial.
• Work-life balance and stress management should be prioritized.

It’s crucial to approach this sensitive issue with compassion. Medical professionals, like anyone else, can struggle with substance abuse. The aim should be rehabilitation and support, ensuring they can continue serving patients safely and effectively once they recover.

Employer-Required Drug and Alcohol Assessment

Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling provides professional drug and alcohol assessments and evaluations. Employer required substance abuse assessments apply to situations involving mind-altering substances and alcohol on the job and are suitable in the following circumstances:

• Violation of a workplace policy regarding drugs or alcohol
• Positive alcohol or controlled substance test while on duty
• After a workplace accident & subsequent positive drug or alcohol test

A critical characteristic of most employer-required substance abuse assessments is a recommendation from the assessor about the appropriateness of the worker returning to work duties. Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling assesses work risk level and makes specific recommendations about the appropriate return to work conditions (timeframe).

Contact us for information and inquiries. Please phone our offices to arrange for referrals.

Thank you for your interest in our practice!