Will Courts Accept a Remote Online Alcohol Assessment or Substance Abuse Evaluation?

Online drug and alcohol evaluations are now available for individuals working through a legal charge that may have involved use of a substance. 

Prior to the COVID 19 pandemic, online assessments and evaluations were not widely accepted, but the improvements in tech to provide face-to-face interviews changed all of that.

Now courts, attorneys, prosecutors and probation officers see the benefit of defendants using online resources to get a timely assessment, helping them run a more efficient and streamlined case management process. In cases where a physical tests (urine, blood, etc.) are needed, the defendant has many convenient options locally (including urgent care) to satisfy this portion of the overall assessment or evaluation. 

If you need a remote or online alcohol or drug assessment, this blog will tell you more about how they work and whether it may be a good choice for your situation with the court or legal process. 

What Is An Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluation?

To aid those who may or may not have a substance abuse problem, as well as those who went a little above and beyond on a Friday night, an alcohol and drug evaluation is available. It's an evaluation, except this time it's done by phone or video conference.

As part of the alcohol or substance abuse online evaluation, you will be asked about your substance or alcohol use and general history via an online questionnaire and video interview. Your treatment recommendations will then be determined based on the results of this evaluation.

Benefit of Online Alcohol and Drug Evaluations

In the event that you are struggling with an misuse of  alcohol or drugs, leading to negative life consequences, an online evaluation can be used to determine if there are education, counseling, or treatment options which might be very helpful on your life journey. You can complete the entire assessment in the comfort of your own home on your own time. Because it is quick and easy, you will not be forced to take time off work.

Remote Process For Alchohol and Drug Evaluation

If you have or have been suspected of drug or alcohol use at the time of a legal charge or arrest, an online substance abuse evaluation may be a very proactive step to take to help your court case. You can complete the process quickly and have a report to provide to your attorney. This shows the judge you are taking the charges seriously as well as taking appropriate steps to remedy the situation.

First, you will start by completing a 10-15 minute questionnaire. Afterwards, we will schedule you with our first available professional evaluator for an interview.  During the interview, you can explain your questionnaire responses in as much detail as you wish and also explain the legal incident. After your interview, your evaluator will provide a report for your review, which can be submitted to the court, your employer, or a treatment provider. It may include recommendations for online education (not affiliated with our company), counseling, group or treatment program support.

What Are The Benefits Of Remote Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluations?

The main benefit is time-saving convenience. You don't have to travel to get this evaluation; it can be done from anywhere! This evaluation does not necessitate taking time off from work or driving long distances, which can save you both time and money if you're already busy.

There are no waiting rooms, hallways, or nurses present during the procedure, so you can maintain maximum privacy and confidentiality. We offer both phone and video interview appointments depending on your preference or court requirments.  
When completed by an credentialed professional, an online drug and alcohol evaluation is useful, convenient, and private. Online drug and alcohol assessments are widely accepted by courts and attorneys who request them throughout the U.S. 

How Do Remote Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluations Work?

A remote online alcohol and drug evaluation is simple. First, create an account and complete a brief questionnaire before meeting with a licensed professional online. Based on your responses, education or treatment may be recommended if needed. The evaluation is typically conducted over the phone or via secure video to help determine whether you have potentially harmful drinking or substance use habits.

During the assessment, you’ll be asked about your alcohol consumption history, including how often you drink, how much, what types of beverages you consume, any other substance you may use, and whether you engage in risky behaviors while intoxicated.

Most remote evaluations last between 45 and 55 minutes. At the end of the process, your evaluator will provide a professional opinion on whether you meet criteria for a clinical alcohol or substance use disorder. If not, they will explain your risk level for potential future problems related to alcohol or substance use. This process is private, convenient, and designed to give you clear guidance on next steps.

Who Can Use Remote Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluations?

Remote online alcohol and drug evaluations are streamlined for individuals ordered by courts, judges, probation officers, or other legal authorities. You may also be required to complete an assessment for workplace purposes.

The best part? You can complete these evaluations from the comfort of your home, no travel or in-person appointments needed. 

Licensed professionals guide you through secure video sessions, including detailed questionnaires and interviews, to understand your substance use history and provide helpful treatment recommendations. These remote evaluations are widely accepted by courts and legal systems, so they’re a practical choice if you have a busy schedule. We offer privacy, convenience, and efficiency while still meeting all legal and professional standards.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Remote Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluations?

Online Alcohol and Drug Evaluations offer several advantages, however, there are some limitations. 

Pros:

• They are convenient, allowing you to complete the evaluation from home without traveling. 
• Sessions are fully confidential, and appointments can often be scheduled quickly, including evenings or weekends. 
• Courts accept online evaluations just like in-person assessments, making the process efficient and time-saving.

Cons:

• Some individuals prefer face-to-face meetings when sharing personal information
• Others may feel anxious completing an evaluation on a computer or cell phone. 
• Complex cases may still require an in-person evaluation, courts will specify if required

Call us at 800-671-8589 to see if we have an evaluator near you. If you’re apprehensive about completing an online assessment, we understand and are happy to provide technical assistance. Online evaluations are now much easier to complete than they were just a few years ago, making the process simple and convenient.

Is There Anything I Should Be Aware Of Before Doing It?

Prior to taking an online evaluation for alcohol and substance abuse, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your security and privacy are of utmost importance. Be sure you are speaking with the evaluator from a private location where you will not be interupted or overheard. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask questions, if you have any, before completing your online questionnaire or during the clinical interview with the evaluator.

Are Remote Online Alcohol And Drug Evaluations Safe?

Online compliance and security is a major concern for those considering the remote online drug or alcohol assessment.
The evaluation needs to be :

• completed by a certified evaluator who is licensed by the state or has national credentials to properly assess you
• completed by phone or through an encrypted video platform, like ND Assessments uses, to ensure your information is kept private and secure.

With over 20 years of providing evaluations, including 5 years via video chats post-COVID, ND Assessments follows all regulatory guidelines to ensure safety while maintaining court-approved assessments. 

Will Courts Accept These Types Of Alcohol And Drug Evaluations?

Yes, courts will generally accept remote alcohol and drug evaluations. This type of evaluation is becoming more and more common, as it offers a convenient and affordable option for people who need to show they are being proactive in response to a legal charge that was potentially associated with alcohol or drug use. 

If you are considering this type of evaluation, make sure you know the pros and cons before doing it. And remember, always ask any questions before filling out an online evaluation.

How Much Does An Online Drug And Alcohol Assessment Cost?

New Directions provides professional drug and alcohol assessments online for individuals across the United States. A weekday standard service costs $375. After you have completed your assessment, your final report will be sent directly to your email, which you can view, print, or download for your own documentation purposes.

Other services, such as an express service weekend or rush services, are also available. You will find the prices for these services on our drug and alcohol assessments page.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, we have discussed the acceptance of online drug and alcohol assessments by courts and how remote evaluations work. If you or someone you know needs to be assessed regarding alcohol or drug use, misuse, or abuse, an online evaluation might be a good first step. 

It’s important to be aware of the pros and cons before doing remote assessments, but overall, this type of evaluation offers a fast, convenient, affordable, and professional way to demonstrate your proactive response to the situation.

Courts will accept remote online alcohol and drug evaluations. If you have more questions about how online alcohol and drug assessments work, we encourage you to call the provider to learn more about their process.