Assessments & Evaluations

Was Your Assessment Ordered by a Court?

Southwest Counseling Center cannot guarantee that an assessment will satisfy a court requirement if the practice is not on that court’s approved provider list. If you are unsure, contact the court or your attorney to confirm the requirements before scheduling.

You do not have to know whether your substance use is a “problem” before scheduling an assessment.

You may simply have questions about your drinking or drug use, notice that certain patterns are changing, or want an objective perspective on how substance use is affecting your life. The assessment is designed to help you better understand what is happening, identify any areas of concern, and determine what next steps, if any, may be appropriate.

Straightforward, Comprehensive Assessment Process

Looking at More Than Substance Use Alone

Alcohol and drug use do not happen in isolation. A comprehensive assessment considers the broader context of your experiences and how substance use may be affecting your life.

Depending on the purpose and scope of your evaluation, the assessment may explore:

• Current and past alcohol or drug use
• Frequency, patterns, and circumstances surrounding use
• Personal and family history
• Mental and emotional health
• Relationships and social functioning
• Work, school, or other responsibilities
• Previous counseling or substance use treatment
• Consequences or concerns related to substance use
• Current strengths and support systems
• Goals and potential next steps

The purpose is to develop a fuller picture of what is happening, not to reduce your experience to a score, label, or single moment in your life.

What Does the Final Report Include?

When a written report is part of the assessment, it provides a professional summary of the evaluation and its findings. Depending on the purpose and scope of the evaluation, your report may include:

• Reason for the assessment
• Relevant background information
• Substance use history
• Summary of information gathered during the evaluation
• Assessment findings
• Identified areas of concern
• Professional recommendations
• Suggested next steps or additional support, when appropriate

What Happens After the Assessment?

An assessment is about understanding what is happening, not assuming what comes next. If ongoing therapy is recommended, the next step will depend on your individual needs, concerns, and goals.

Southwest Counseling Center offers several therapy approaches designed to address different challenges and help clients create meaningful, lasting change.

Need the Assessment for a Specific Requirement?

If an attorney, employer, school, licensing board, professional organization or another third party has requested an assessment, please provide any paperwork or instructions you received before your appointment.

If a court has ordered the assessment, check the court’s approved provider list before scheduling. Court requirements vary, and Southwest Counseling Center cannot guarantee that an evaluation will satisfy a court order if the practice is not an approved provider for that court.

If you’re seeking an assessment in connection with criminal charges, a civil matter, family court proceedings or concerns involving substance use, let Southwest Counseling Center know the purpose of the evaluation when scheduling. This helps ensure the appropriate assessment is completed and that any required documentation can be discussed in advance.