A Substance Use Evaluation is a structured assessment designed to examine an individual’s history of alcohol or drug use, current patterns, related behavioral concerns, and the impact of substance use on daily functioning. This evaluation identifies the presence and severity of substance‑use disorders, evaluates contributing factors, and provides clear recommendations for treatment or support services.

The process includes reviewing substance‑use history, assessing risk factors, exploring co‑occurring mental‑health symptoms, and evaluating how substance use affects judgment, behavior, and stability. Findings are presented in a typed report that outlines diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.

A substance use evaluation typically includes:

• A structured substance‑use interview

• Screening tools and standardized measures (as appropriate)

• Review of relevant records

• Assessment of use patterns, risk factors, and functional impact

• Diagnostic impressions

• Treatment recommendations

• A full typed report

Purpose: To clarify substance‑use concerns, determine the presence and severity of a substance‑use disorder, and provide actionable recommendations for treatment or support services.

• To view more information on Ms. Bledsoe’s education, credentials, professional affiliations, and work experience, check out her curriculum vitae.

• To schedule an evaluation, please call or text (623) 297-3014 or click here to send a message.

A clinical evaluation is a non‑legal behavioral‑health assessment designed to clarify symptoms, identify diagnoses, and guide treatment planning. It focuses on the client’s current functioning, history, and needs within a therapeutic or administrative context. Clinical evaluations are appropriate for counseling recommendations, probation or diversion requirements, workplace or school requests, and general mental‑health clarification.

Clinical evaluations do not address legal questions, risk determinations, causation, impairment analysis, or expert opinions for court. When a case involves legal relevance or requires an expert forensic opinion, a forensic evaluation is required instead.

A clinical evaluation typically includes:

• A structured clinical interview

• Screening tools (as appropriate)

• Review of limited records

• Diagnostic impressions

• Treatment recommendations

• A full typed clinical report

Purpose: To support treatment, clarify behavioral‑health needs, and provide actionable recommendations — not to answer legal questions.

Clinical Evaluation— $750 (base fee)

A non‑legal clinical assessment intended for treatment planning, behavioral‑health clarification, or administrative requirements. Final cost may increase depending on record volume, case complexity, or the need to involve additional parties.

Forensic Evaluation — $1,500 (base fee)

A court‑focused evaluation addressing legally relevant questions. Final cost may increase depending on case complexity, record volume, collateral interviews, or the need to involve additional parties.

In many cases, extensive medical records may need to be reviewed, or interviews will need to be conducted with people other than the client.  Such activities are billed at an additional rate of $300 per hour. Expert testimony in a legal proceeding is billed at $350 per hour including travel time with a 3-hour minimum.

Payment
Cash, check, or ApplePay are accepted for payment.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the appointment.

What’s the difference between a clinical and forensic evaluation?

A clinical evaluation is designed to understand a person’s mental health or substance‑use needs for the purpose of treatment. Its goal is to identify symptoms, provide diagnoses, and recommend interventions that support wellness, recovery, or ongoing care. Clinical evaluations are therapeutic in nature and centered on the client’s well‑being.

A forensic evaluation is designed to answer a legal question. It is objective, neutral, and focused on how mental health, substance use, or functioning relates to a legal issue such as mitigation, risk, behavior, or case context. Forensic evaluations rely on structured methods, collateral information, and record review, and result in a clear, defensible report intended for attorneys, courts, or agencies—not for treatment.

What can be evaluated?

• Substance use disorders

  • Addiction severity & progression

  • Relapse patterns and triggers

  • Treatment responsiveness

• Psychiatric disorders

  • Psychosis

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder

  • Mood disorders

  • Personality disorders

• Co-occurring disorders

  • Mental health + substance use

  • Mental health + addiction

  • Functional impact of symptoms

• Message us if you have questions about mental health and substance use disorders.

When should a mental health evaluation be requested versus a substance‑use evaluation?

A mental health evaluation is most appropriate when there are concerns related to mood, anxiety, trauma, thought processes, emotional regulation, or overall psychological functioning. This type of evaluation helps clarify psychiatric symptoms, diagnostic considerations, and how mental health factors may influence behavior or daily functioning.

A substance‑use evaluation is recommended when the primary concerns involve alcohol or drug use, addiction severity, relapse patterns, withdrawal history, or the potential impact of substances on behavior. This evaluation focuses on patterns of use, impairment, treatment needs, and the role addiction may play in functioning or decision‑making.

In situations where both mental health symptoms and substance use are present, a combined evaluation may be the most appropriate option. Co‑occurring conditions are common, and a comprehensive assessment can clarify how each factor contributes to overall functioning and case‑related considerations.

How long does an evaluation take?

Evaluations typically can take 1.5-3 hours. The timeline varies based on the referral question, record volume, and collateral needs. A defined timeframe can be provided when a consultation is complete and records and releases are received.

What can I expect before an evaluation?

Prior to the interview, relevant records—such as police reports, court documents, treatment records, and collateral information—are reviewed to ensure the evaluation is informed, accurate, and grounded in the context of the case.

What should I expect during the evaluation?

During the evaluation, the individual participates in a comprehensive clinical and forensic interview that explores mental health history, substance use patterns, trauma history, behavioral functioning, and other factors relevant to the legal issue. Standardized assessment tools may be used to evaluate substance use severity, psychiatric symptoms, risk factors, or the consistency of reported symptoms. When appropriate, collateral information from family members, treatment providers, or supervising officers may be incorporated to support accuracy and provide additional context.

What should I expect after the evaluation?

Following the interview and data collection, all information is integrated into a clear, neutral, and defensible written report. The report includes clinical impressions, diagnostic clarification, analysis of substance use or mental health factors, and direct answers to the legal referral question. Upon completion, findings are available for consultation with the referring attorney to support case strategy, mitigation planning, or treatment recommendations.

What does the written report include?

Reports provide objective, evidence‑based findings, diagnostic impressions, analysis of mental health or substance‑use factors, and clear answers to the legal referral question. Recommendations may be included when appropriate.

Do you offer mitigation‑focused consultation?

Yes. Consultation can address behavioral health factors relevant to plea negotiations, sentencing, and treatment alternatives that may support mitigation.

Can you testify if needed?

Testimony availability can be discussed on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on scheduling, scope, and the nature of the evaluation.