The primary focus of Practical Recovery Services (PRS) is treatment for substance and activity addictions and co-occurring conditions. However, we also regularly conduct evaluations for outside parties. Although in the course of treatment planning every client is thoroughly evaluated, we only produce a written report when the client requests that an outside party (such as a licensing board) receive one. For self-referred clients such a report is typically not needed, and an unnecessary expense to the client.

We work regularly with licensed professionals, especially physicians, lawyers and nurses. Because our program is relatively expensive, most of our clients are high level professionals who can afford to be here. Most are self-referred. We do not accept insurance. Dr. Horvath has testified before one state medical board, and PRS has sent letters or reports to several state medical boards or their diversion programs.

When evaluating a licensed professional for an outside party, an addiction medicine evaluation is typically provided by Dr. Sack, a board certified internist also certified by ASAM. Psychiatric evaluation is typically conducted by Dr. Moreau, a board certified psychiatrist. Other psychiatrists and addictionologists are also available. We have a wide array of professionals with whom we work, and use them from time to time according to the specific needs of the client.

The psychological testing is interpreted by two or three psychologists. Tests are selected according the questions that need to be answered. Sometimes a chemical dependency counselor (CDAC) is a suggested to us as a member of the evaluation team. With the presence of at least two psychologists in our evaluation team there is no need for a CDAC.

Once we have evaluated the records of the individual to be assessed we will determine to what extent various evaluations need to be completed or updated. The records may be thorough enough and recent enough that we will simply reference them in our report. We encourage the sending of all available records, preferably one week prior to the arrival of the client, but at least several days in advance.

Our evaluation addresses all aspects of the client's functioning, including cognitive issues (e.g., negative automatic thoughts and maladaptive beliefs), emotional and behavioral issues (e.g., addictive behaviors, dysfunctional coping skills, and social behavior), and ultimate values and beliefs (e.g., spirituality), as is typical for a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Physical health and addiction medicine issues are addressed by Dr. Sack and Dr. Moreau, with laboratory studies if needed.

We will conduct and document collateral interviews, in person where possible, and otherwise by phone, with all parties we are informed about. Sometimes the list of collateral contacts is over one dozen.  We can place the client in a residential setting, or the client can stay elsewhere, depending on the needs of the referral source.

When we write a report for an outside party we address all questions posed to us. For instance, if we are asked for a five axis DSM-IV-TR diagnosis and treatment recommendations, we will provide them. Each evaluator will (mostly independently) construct a separate report. One evaluator will draft a summary report, after reviewing each individual report, and circulate it to the evaluation team. If we need to meet to reach a consensus we will. Each evaluator will sign the summary report, and as appendices to the summary report each individual report will be included. It requires up to a week after the client leaves for the final report to be available.

In order for us to schedule an evaluation, which typically takes place over three to five days, we need to know when records will arrive, and a deposit of $5,000 (which is the initial estimate for the total cost of the evaluation, excluding lodging or residential stay).