First Offenders/ DUI Clinical Evaluations
Individuals convicted of a first-time DUI, unless waived by the court, are required as part of their probation to participate in a clinical evaluation. If the evaluation identifies a need for treatment, they are required to complete a substance use treatment program. These requirements, effective July 1, 2008, are in addition to other probationary conditions. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is responsible for approving clinical evaluators and treatment providers and establishing guidelines to ensure these requirements are implemented effectively.
The following document, available on the DBHDD website, provides comprehensive information to guide individuals through the clinical evaluation process and related supports.
You are required to complete a clinical evaluation either before or after attending DUI School. This evaluation is separate from the assessment questionnaire completed as part of the Risk Reduction Program. A substance use professional, known as the Clinical Evaluator, will conduct the evaluation through a personal interview, which may take place in person or virtually. The interview usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. While some Risk Reduction Programs may have a Clinical Evaluator available on-site, you are not obligated to complete your clinical evaluation at their facility.
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED 2 OR MORE DUI’S
IN THE PAST 10 YEARS
If you have received two or more DUIs within a 10-year period, you are required to complete a clinical evaluation as part of the process for reinstating your license. This requirement cannot be waived by the court. If the evaluation recommends it, you will also need to participate in a substance use treatment program. These requirements, effective as of July 1, 2008, are in addition to all other conditions for license reinstatement.
For arrests occurring before June 30, 2008, the applicable period is five years.
In Georgia, all Clinical Evaluators must be certified by DBHDD for clients to qualify for driver’s license reinstatement. Certified Evaluators can be found on the DBHDD registry, with evaluation costs starting at $150.00.
State law prohibits DUI school providers from recommending specific Clinical Evaluators. Similarly, the Clinical Evaluator you choose cannot refer you to a specific treatment provider or offer treatment services directly to you.
Paige Barber is listed on the DBHDD Registry and charges $150.00 for a clinical evaluation. Evaluations for out-of-state licenses, which require additional time and paperwork, may have a different fee.
Payments can be made using debit, or credit card as well as Business Venmo and must be completed no later than the date of the evaluation, unless prior arrangements are made.
Substance Use Evaluations
Substance Use Evaluations are NON-DUI assessments (also known as Substance Abuse or 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:
706-349-1776
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.