SAP Evaluations
(Substance Abuse Provider)

A SAP evaluation, also known as a substance abuse evaluation, is a clinical assessment of an individual by a qualified professional to determine necessary steps they may need to take to resolve problems associated with drug and/or alcohol abuse. A substance abuse professional often evaluates employees who have violated a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulation. Following the assessment, the substance abuse professional will make recommendations concerning treatment, follow-up testing, education, and other issues concerning the employee upon their return to work.   

 

If you landed on our website after searching “sap program near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Our team of qualified substance abuse professionals always provide one-on-one, private attention to each client who walks through our doors. If this is your first time undergoing such an evaluation, we understand that you may be apprehensive or nervous about the process, and that’s completely understandable. At CIBH you never have to worry about one of our professionals judging you or treating you poorly or unfairly for past mistakes. Our mission is always to help individuals move forward and put negative experiences behind them. Sometimes this requires a DOT qualified SAP Evaluation and completion of a SAP Program. We can help. 

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If you’re a truck driver, bus driver, flight attendant or other DOT regulated employee who has failed a DOT drug or alcohol test, or you have refused to take one, we offer an affordable SAP Program that is designed to help you get back to work. To make the process easier for our customers we offer virtual and in person SAP evaluations. If you are in need of a SAP Program in Texas, give us a call at 469-319-0170 or email us at support@creativeinspirationsbh.com for more information. 

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What to Expect at you SAP Evaluation

If this is your first time undergoing such an evaluation, you may be curious about the process or what to expect at your appointment. You may even be a little nervous or embarrassed. You don’t have to be worried about that at CIBH. We specialize in alcohol and drug evaluations and treatment, so we work with people every day who need our help to get their life back on track. If you are a DOT employee and have failed or refused a drug & alcohol test, you probably landed on this page because you are required to complete the Return to Duty (RTD) process before you can safely return to work. The first step in this process is the SAP Program. 

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When you meet with one of our experienced SAP Evaluators, they will look over your case with you and ask you some standard questions to get a better idea of the situation. There is no need to feel nervous or apprehensive about these questions. While human instinct may be to color the truth or sugar coat the situation, it’s best to be upfront and honest when answering these questions so the evaluator knows how to best help you move forward. Following your evaluation, based on the answers given, the SAP Evaluator will help you outline a plan for your Return to Duty process. They may refer you to specific educational programs and create a treatment plan for your situation.

 

Once you successfully complete the educational course, treatment, or other recommendation, you will return for a final evaluation with your SAP evaluator so they can assess whether you are ready to go back to work. 

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Until this process is complete, you will not be able to return to work, so it’s important to have open and clear communication with your SAP Evaluator. They can help determine what is needed to complete your RTD process, refer you to the best treatment or educational course, help you prioritize your schedule and find a time that will work best for you to complete your treatment, and communicate with you and your employer to confirm you’ve concluded everything necessary so you can return to work.    

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Who is Required to Complete a SAP Program? 

DOT regulated employees who have failed a drug and alcohol test or refused to take one will be required to go through the SAP Program. This may include: 

• Truck drivers

• Commercial drivers (CDL)

• Pilots

• Mechanics 

• Pilots and Flight Attendants 

• Pipeline Workers

• Students in Truck Driving School 

• Coast Guard and more….

If you’re a DOT regulated employee, you will be subject to post-accident drug testing, pre-employment testing, random drug and alcohol tests, RTD testing and/or follow-up testing.  

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) Clearinghouse provides FMSCA and employers tools to help identify drivers who are prohibited from driving or operating a commercial vehicle based on a DOT drug and alcohol violation. This includes violations committed with one employer, and then failure to report to another employer. Records of drug and alcohol violations remain in the Clearinghouse for 5 years or until a driver has completed the RTD process, whichever comes first. 

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How Long Does the DOT SAP Program Take? 

How long the program takes varies depending on individual circumstances. If you do not have an alcohol or drug problem, you may be done with the SAP program in a day or two. If you do have a substance abuse problem, it can take you weeks or sometimes months to complete the program. Your SAP Evaluator will determine the level of care that is needed during your evaluation, which may include attending one or more classes, a drug treatment program, a probationary period, ongoing treatment, or further testing.  

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The cost of a SAP program varies from person to person. The cost for the entire program depends on several factors, including the treatment recommendation from your SAP Evaluator. It’s difficult to list an average cost for a SAP program because each case is different. While one person may only need an evaluation and a class to get back to work, while others may require more extensive treatment that includes outpatient treatment, rehab, and aftercare. Some employers pay the cost of SAP services on behalf of their employees while other companies require the employee to pay on their own.

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Who is Qualified to Become a SAP?

To be qualified as a Substance Abuse Professional, someone must have at least one of the following credentials: 

• Licensed or certified psychologist

• Licensed or certified physician

• Licensed or certified social worker

• Licensed or certified employee assistance professional

• Licensed or certified marriage and family therapist

• Certified alcohol and drug counselor 

Other requirements include:

• Becoming nationally certified

• Completing 12 hours of training

• Passing a qualification exam

• Applying for SAP qualification

 

All of our Substance Abuse Professionals are qualified and have successfully completed their 12 hours of specialized training, specific to DOT guidelines. To be in compliance with DOT guidelines, only a SAP can evaluate you. Our SAPs meet all standards for the DOT. They are trained to complete evaluations for employees in safety sensitive positions regulated by the DOT. Our highly skilled team is committed to providing SAP services under the guidelines of the Federal Department of Transportation. 

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Our qualified SAP Evaluators will provide a face-to-face or virtual assessment, make thoughtful recommendations of treatment and or educational courses, monitor compliance with SAP recommendations, provide a face-to-face follow-up examination to determine if the employee is in compliance with the recommended course of action, and provide a final report to the employer that contains a follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing plan and aftercare plan.