The purpose of an assessment is to have a certified or licensed substance abuse professional evaluate whether an individual has a substance abuse problem and if they do, the severity of that problem. Once this is determined, the professional recommends the corresponding, appropriate level of treatment or education that the individual needs. All Assessments are conducted in a private, confidential manner.

Assessments at Anuvia are conducted “on demand” Monday through Friday. You are encouraged to arrive early as only a certain number of assessments can be completed each day. Please allow 2-3 hours for your assessments and be aware that wait times vary due to the number of clients who present for an assessment on any given day. Assessment and treatment services are also available in Spanish, call 704-376-7447 for more information.

If an individual has had an Assessment at another approved substance abuse program within the past 6 months and they wish to do the recommended treatment at Anuvia, we will complete a no-charge Screening and facilitate entry into treatment at Anuvia. However, the individual MUST bring dated documentation from the previous assessor including the recommended level of care to the Screening appointment. Without this documentation, a Screening cannot be conducted. In addition, they will be asked to sign a Release of information for the original Assessment to be sent to Anuvia.

Depending on the individual’s specific situation, an Assessment usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. During that time, the individual is Breathalyzed, completes a written questionnaire and has an in depth clinical interview with a substance abuse professional. A urine drug screen may also be required.

You should bring a list of all your medications (including the dosage, the reason for the medication, and the name prescribing physician’s name) and your current Medicaid or insurance card. If the Assessment is related to legal charges, including DWI, it is extremely important that all court related paperwork is brought to the Assessment appointment. For DWI Assessments, it is necessary to bring the citation received at the time of arrest showing the BAC and the conviction related judgment paperwork. Without the required documentation being provided, we will be unable to process DWI paperwork with the DMV.

Depending on the type, most Assessments are valid for 6 months. After that time, a re-evaluation will be required. In the case of DWI Assessments, they are valid for 6 months from the date of Assessment. The individual must have started the recommended treatment or education within 6 months of the assessment. After that time, re-assessment and new fees apply.

Costs vary depending on the type of Assessment the individual requires and their funding source. Most Assessments cost $100. North Carolina DWI Assessments are $100 for each DWI that is outstanding. Out of state DWI does require an additional $75 processing fee. There are a few states for which we charge an additional $75 processing fee (total $260) due to the extensive paperwork requirements.

Yes, you may bring a family member, case manager, interpreter (if you are non-English speaking. Interpreters must be fluently bilingual individuals unrelated and unknown to you in any way.) or another interested party. They will be asked to complete a written questionnaire about your substance use. If deemed appropriate, the assessor may speak to them at the end of the Assessment if you have signed a Release for us to do so.

If you have provided the assessor with the required documentation, most likely you will receive the written results at the end of the Assessment. Exceptions include, if results of a drug screen are pending, or if the assessor thinks that it is necessary to consult with your referral source or the entire Assessment Team and/or the Anuvia Medical Director prior to making a diagnosis and recommendation. If required documentation and fees are not provided, the Assessment will be incomplete/pending until which time as they are received. We are unable to process DMV paperwork until required documentation and fees are received.