If you are a federal department of transportation (DOT) regulated worker and you have tested positive for alcohol or drug, you will have to complete the return to duty process and get evaluated by a substance abuse professional (SAP).
How Much Does a DOT SAP Evaluation Cost?
Probably the largest expense for going through the return to duty process and getting a SAP evaluation is the cost of lost wages and earnings. Although some people are able to complete the process within a few days, the average is 2-3 weeks which translates into a lot of lost earnings totally hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some employers may even terminate employment, further adding to the burden and expense of testing positive. The actual cost of a DOT SAP evaluation can vary by the provider and the region of the country you live in. In the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota, a SAP evaluation will likely cost between $400-$500 dollars. At Innovative Psychological Consultants, Dr. Chris Anderson, Psy.D., LP, SAP, has a total cost of $400 for a SAP evaluation. I.P.C. even provides a cash discount which will bring the cost down to $350 for the whole SAP evaluation.
What Do I Get for the Cost of a DOT SAP Evaluation?
Federal DOT requires a pretty specific evaluation with a number of things that must be completed to satisfy their requirements. The evaluation itself is a thorough substance abuse and mental health assessment that is intended to get a complete alcohol and drug history of use. They will also explore various other flags, symptoms, and warning signs in an effort to determine if someone has an abuse or dependence problem. They will explore various life areas in search of problems or stressors that could be causing a person to use substances to cope. These include financial, legal, occupational, relationship, family and medical issues or stressors. Many people struggling with depression or anxiety turn to substances to self-medicate so an evaluation of mental health concerns will also be explored.
Beyond the basic evaluation, the SAP evaluator will also have you complete a substance abuse test, which is typically a paper and pencil type of exam. They will also be checking with other people who know you to verify information for accuracy. Specifically, they will be inquiring with friends and family to see about reported chemical use and any concerns. The SAP evaluator then has to write up reports and recommendations for the employee, employer, and DOT.
Following completion of any recommendations, the SAP evaluator will be conducting a follow-up visit with the employee to discuss the education or treatment experience and then write up a second report for the employee, employer and DOT. Altogether, there is quite a bit of work involved in helping the employee get through the return to duty process.
If you are DOT regulated employee who failed a test and is in need of a DOT SAP evaluation, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Anderson, Psy.D., LP who can help you complete the return to duty process. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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