Got a VASAP referral and not sure what happens next?
You’re in the right place. Virginia Counseling Services is an approved VASAP evaluation provider serving Burke, Fairfax County, and Northern Virginia. We’ll walk you through exactly what the process looks like, what it costs, and what to expect. No surprises.
Ready for your VASAP Evaluation?
Reach out now to get started!
Ready to schedule now? Call us at (202) 630-1765 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
What is VASAP?
VASAP stands for the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. It is a state-run program that addresses substance-related driving offenses: DUI, DWI, driving under the influence of any substance, and in some cases, being intoxicated in or near a vehicle.
If a court has mandated VASAP for you, you will work with a VASAP case officer and be referred to an approved provider like VCS for a substance abuse evaluation. That evaluation determines whether treatment is recommended and, if so, what kind.
Visit https://vasap.virginia.gov for the full program overview.
Am I Actually in VASAP?
VASAP is typically court-mandated after a substance-related driving charge. But it covers more ground than most people expect. Any mind-altering substance applies: alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or anything else that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Here is the formula that covers most situations:
Person + Substance + Automobile = Trouble.
We have seen VASAP mandates for:
- Someone intoxicated in a parked car with keys in their pocket
- Someone sleeping in their car while intoxicated
- Someone pulled over while attempting to park at home
- Someone found intoxicated in a vehicle they were not driving
The common thread is the combination of a substance and a vehicle. If that sounds like your situation, a VASAP evaluation is likely part of your path forward.
What is the First Step?
Your process typically looks like this:
- Court mandates VASAP
- You meet with a VASAP case officer for an intake
- If the intake meets certain criteria, VASAP refers you to an approved provider for a substance abuse evaluation
- You choose a provider from the VASAP directory
- Your VASAP case officer sends a formal referral to that provider
- You schedule your evaluation
One important note: VASAP does not always send the referral to us automatically. If you have selected VCS and have not heard back, contact us directly at (202) 630-1765. Do not wait on the referral. It can delay the whole process.
What Does the Evaluation Involve?
The evaluation takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and has three parts.
Clinical interview. A real conversation about the circumstances surrounding your charges, your history, your life, and anything else relevant to understanding your situation. This is where we get the full picture.
Objective assessments. Standardized questionnaires that help gather information beyond the interview. Straightforward questions, no tricks.
Drug and alcohol urinalysis. A standard urine test conducted at our office.
Cost: $650 for the evaluation. Insurance does not cover the evaluation itself, but may cover individual sessions if treatment is recommended afterward. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Who will you meet with?
VASAP evaluations at VCS are conducted by Cleo Chalk, LPC, under the clinical supervision of Dr. John-Mike Nelson, PhD, LPC, LSATP, MAC.
Cleo is a Licensed Professional Counselor with specialized training in substance use. Dr. Nelson is a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner with over fifteen years of experience in substance use evaluation and treatment. He provides clinical supervision on all VASAP evaluations at VCS.
What that means for you: a dedicated evaluator with PhD-level clinical oversight on every case. That is not the standard at most evaluation providers.
Does everyone end up in treatment? Is this a money grab?
Fair question. We hear it a lot.
Not everyone who comes in for an evaluation gets recommended for treatment. The evaluation exists to figure out your specific situation, not to funnel everyone into a program.
If treatment is recommended, we work with you to find options that fit your schedule, your finances, and your life. We are not going to hand you a recommendation and leave you to figure out the rest.
If no treatment is recommended, we refer you back to VASAP to continue the program.
If you have questions before scheduling, just contact us.
Ready to get scheduled?
We serve clients in Burke, Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, and throughout Northern Virginia. In-person evaluations are conducted at our Burke office at 5240 Lyngate Ct, Burke, VA 22015.
Call Paris at (202) 630-1765 to get scheduled and ask any questions before your appointment.
Or fill out the form below and we will be in touch.