DWI Evaluations

DWI Evaluations

Driving While Intoxicated – DWI

Getting a DWI is an eye opening experience. Perhaps this is your first or maybe you have been down this road before. Either way, what you do from this point on can be a frustrating maze of options.

In New York State, DWI evaluations can only be performed by approved evaluators which are on a OASAS Provider List and these providers break into two groups.  Read More...

Group One: Clinics which are certified by OASAS.

In a certified clinic, anyone employed by that clinic can do the evaluation regardless of their education or experience because the clinic is licensed, not necessarily the evaluator. It is understood that the evaluator will be supervised by someone who is certified. Clinics can take Medicaid.

Pros: The cost is usually cheaper and a clinic will take insurance. The evaluation can be transferred to any provider for treatment. Clinics often have medical and psychiatric staff onsite for convenience.

Cons: Clinics provide services to large numbers of people which can be intimidating for some and potentially exposing for some professionals. Their services include group and individual sessions.

Group Two: These are individuals in private practice who are approved by NYS because they are licensed by the Department of Education as well as approved by OASAS. Their practice is usually composed of various clients and usually does not involve groups.

Pros: The setting is individualized and private. The evaluation is performed by a provider who is dually licensed and in most cases experienced in dealing with mental health as well as addictions. If education is required, it can be tailored to the individual and does not involve a group setting.

Cons: They usually don’t take insurance and may be more expensive. The upside to not taking insurance for the evaluation, is that if treatment is required you can get it done at a clinic if you chose because insurance will usually only pay for one evaluation per calendar year. Under current state regulation, evaluations by this group are not accepted by clinics. If treatment is recommended and you decided to get it done at a clinic, the clinic will re-evaluate you.

The DWI Evaluation Process

The DWI evaluation must be performed by an evaluator who is on the approved provider list. The cost is discussed at intake and insurance is not taken. Payment is due at the time of service with cash or check.

DWI or Court Ordered Evaluations are performed to the NYS standards and require the following:

  • Bring a recent Driver Abstract which is obtained from the DMV. The cost is about ten dollars.
  • Bring a copy of the police report and ticket. The police report is called the bill of particulars or disposition.
  • A collateral interview. This is done with someone who knows you well and has daily contact. A good collateral would be a spouse or family member.
  • Release of prior treatment records for alcohol or drugs.
  • An ETG lab to be taken at the time of the evaluation.
  • Releases are signed so that the evaluation can be sent to the agencies requesting them.