First Offenders/ DUI Clinical Evaluations
First time DUI offenders are required, as a condition of probation, to get a clinical evaluation, and if indicated by the evaluation, complete a substance abuse treatment program. These requirements, effective July 1, 2008 are in addition to all other existing requirements for probation. Under this new law, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is responsible for approving clinical evaluators and treatment providers and establishing regulations for implementing these requirements.
The following document from the DBHDD website provides in depth information about first time DUI Offenders and the Clinical Evaluation process:
You must get a clinical evaluation either before or after you complete DUI School. This clinical evaluation is different from the assessment questionnaire you will complete at the Risk Reduction Program. The Evaluator is a substance abuse professional who will interview you in person. In some cases, the interview may be done virtually. The interview will typically take 60-90 minutes. Some Risk Reduction Programs may have a Clinical Evaluator available, but you are not required to get your clinical evaluation at their facility.
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED 2 OR MORE DUI’S
IN THE PAST 10 YEARS
Multiple DUI offenders who get two or more DUI offenses within a 10-year period are required, as a condition of license reinstatement, to get a clinical evaluation, and if indicated by the evaluation, complete a substance abuse treatment program. These requirements, effective July 1, 2008, are in addition to all other existing requirements for license reinstatement.
For arrests prior to 6-30-08, the period is five years.
All Clinical Evaluators in Georgia must be certified by DBHDD in order for clients be eligible for driver’s license reinstatement. Qualified Evaluators will be listed on the DBHDD registry and costs for the Evaluator start at $110.00.
According to state law, your DUI school provider CANNOT suggest a Clinical Evaluator. Likewise, the clinical evaluator you select may not refer you to a specific treatment provider and may not provide treatment services to you themselves.
Paige Barber is listed on the DBHDD Registry and charges $125.00 for an evaluation unless it is an out of state license, which requires more time and paperwork.
Cash, debit or credit card is accepted. In some cases, payment arrangements may be made in advance, but MUST be pre-approved.
The evaluation will not be released until the final payment is made.
Substance Abuse Evalutions
Substance Abuse Evaluations are NON-DUI assessments (also known as Alcohol and Drug Evaluations).
- Evaluations may be court-ordered for various reasons by both Civil and Criminal Judges, Supervision Officers, Pretrial Diversion Officers, DFCS, DJJ and other law enforcement agencies to determine the extent of a person's substance use and assess the extent or level of addiction.
- The assessment can assist in determining if there are any co-occurring conditions, including physical or mental health concerns and assist in building a treatment plan for a client's needs and recovery.
- The Evaluator is a substance abuse professional who will interview you in person. In some cases, the interview may be done virtually.
- The interview will typically take 60-90 minutes.
- The regular rate of a Substance Abuse Evaluation is $110 and they are typically completed in three days or less. The cost may be more if you request for the evaluation to be expedited.
- More financial information, including cancellation arrangements, is included on the Fees and Payments page.
Please bring the following paperwork to your evaluation session:
- A certified copy of your LIFETIME year MVR (Driving History Report) / https://dds.georgia.gov/mvr-driving-history-reports-individuals
- A copy of your arrest/incident report (which can often be emailed from the arresting agency)
- Any paperwork from your probation/pretrial supervision office
Note: You may be asked to provide a certified copy of your criminal history if you have criminal charges prior to the 7 year MVR.
Testimonials
Getting a DUI was not something I ever saw myself doing. I was really worried about getting everything done and I had no idea who to go to for the DUI evaluation. I am so thankful the first person didn't call me back. Paige was comforting and professional from the very first phone call. I was able to meet with her in the evening so I didn't have to worry about missing work and she explained everything thoroughly. Before I left her office, I knew what her recommendation was and she had the evaluation completed and to my officer within three days. I would tell anyone to go to her. All of the evaluators cost the same but I actually felt like I really learned a lot about myself from the time I spent with her and she really does care.
J. D.
Athens, Ga.
I completed my substance abuse evaluation with Paige and had such a good experience that I would recommend her to anyone! She really worked with me to find a time that didn't interfere with my job. At first we had an appointment on the weekend but I ended up having to work at the last minute so she met with me at 7 pm on a weeknight. She didn't have to do it but it kept me from taking off work and it was such a relief!! She was a good communicator through the whole process and got the paperwork to my PO fast. I felt like I was in the coziest living room ever when I got to her office and she even gave me coffee :)) I hope I am never in a situation like this again, but if I am or if someone I know needs help with alcohol or drugs, I am sending them to her. She also told me she would always work with anyone on money so there is also that.
R.F.
Athens, Ga
I completed a virtual substance abuse evaluation with Paige and I highly recommend her. She sent me a letter that told me what to get to her and the day we met everything went smoothly. She is easy to talk to and got the evaluation back to me fast.
A.P.
Commerce, Ga
This is where you want to go to get a substance abuse evaluation. I could tell she knew what she was doing and she was nice to me.
R.J.
Athens, Ga
Paige was one of the only people that I called on a Sunday who answered the phone and was able to immediately book my appointment. She was able to see me within the week and my evaluation was completed a few days later. I had heard horror stories from people about this but it wasn't bad at all! We talked about how things could get worse if I continue down this path but ultimately she didn't order more treatment for me. If I ever did mess up again, I would go back to her because I felt like she listened and didn't judge. Oh and I loved her cute office too.
Athens, Ga
Schedule your appointment via phone call, email or text message!
Paige Barber, CADC II, MATS, Clinical Evaluator
Text, Call or email to set up an appointment at:
706-310-5191
email: [email protected]
Note: You may get a quicker response if you email or text a request. When emailing, please indicate whether you need a DUI or non DUI evaluation.