At Virginia Counseling Services, we provide several types of evaluations for adults in Virginia, including substance abuse, psychological, forensic, and relationship evaluations.
Some people contact us because they have been told they need an evaluation by a court, attorney, probation officer, employer, or program. Others are looking for more clarity about their mental health, substance use, or the kind of support they may need next.
This page is meant to help you understand the different types of evaluations we offer and where to start.
Evaluation Services Offered at Virginia Counseling Services
Substance Abuse Evaluations
Substance abuse evaluations are often requested by courts, probation, VASAP, employers, attorneys, or treatment providers. They can also be helpful for people who want a clearer understanding of how alcohol or drug use may be affecting their life, relationships, work, or legal situation.
Psychological Evaluations
Psychological evaluations are used to better understand mental health concerns, behavioral patterns, functioning, and diagnostic questions. In some cases, they are requested for documentation or treatment planning. In other cases, a person simply wants a more structured assessment of what may be going on.
Forensic Clinical Evaluations
A Forensic Clinical Evaluation is a specialized evaluation by Dr. John-Mike Nelson. Designed as a comprehensive, legally-informed mental health assessment with the intention of use in legal proceedings. It draws on clinical interviews, psychometric testing, collateral contacts, legal documents, records, and any other relevant information to build a complete picture of the person at the center of the case.
VASAP Evaluations
If you were referred by VASAP or are dealing with a DUI-related matter, you may need a more specific type of substance use evaluation. Our VASAP-related services can help clarify what is needed and what the process may involve.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Evaluations
That was a mouth full….whew. For individuals who need a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional assessment, this service follows a different process and has a more specific purpose related to return-to-duty requirements.
Couples Compass
Couples Compass is a structured relationship check-up for couples that combines guided assessments and exercises to evaluate key areas such as communication, trust, intimacy, and problem-solving. Led by a relationship therapist, the evaluation helps couples identify both strengths and areas for growth, while also supporting them in setting goals and developing a collaborative plan to strengthen their relationship.
How to Know Which Evaluation I Need?
The right evaluation usually depends on why it is being requested.
- You may need a substance abuse evaluation if the concern involves alcohol or drug use, a DUI-related issue, probation, VASAP, or a treatment recommendation.
- You may need a psychological evaluation if the goal is diagnostic clarification, documentation, or a better understanding of mental health symptoms and functioning.
- You may need a forensic or court-related evaluation if the issue is tied to a legal matter, attorney referral, court order, or another formal process.
- You may be needing a relationship evaluation if the main focus is relational work, like “how are we as a couple?”
If you are not sure which category fits your situation, that is okay. Many people are not sure when they first reach out. We can help you determine whether we offer the kind of evaluation you need and if we don’t, we’ll help you find it.
What to Expect During an Evaluation
The process depends on the type of evaluation, but it usually starts with a conversation about why the evaluation is needed and what question needs to be answered.
From there, the process may include a clinical interview, review of relevant history, screening or assessment tools, and in some cases review of records or other documentation. Some evaluations result in recommendations only. Others may involve a more formal written report.
If an evaluation is related to court, probation, an attorney, or another outside party, it is important to be clear from the beginning about who is requesting the evaluation and what kind of documentation is expected.
Why People Seek Evaluations
People seek evaluations for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes it is because a court, employer, program, or school requires one. Sometimes it is because a provider, attorney, or family member has recommended it. In other cases, the person simply wants a clearer understanding of what is going on and what kind of help may make sense.
An evaluation can be useful when there is a specific question that needs to be answered, when documentation is needed, or when the next step is not yet clear.
Appointments are conducted in a respectful, confidential setting at our Burke, Virginia office, with virtual options available for appropriate evaluation types. Reports are completed promptly and prepared to meet the standards needed for court, an attorney, employer, or school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evaluations
Are evaluations confidential?
Yes. Evaluations follow professional ethics and Virginia law regarding confidentiality. Information is only released with written authorization or when legally required.
I was referred by my attorney / probation officer / VASAP officer. What do I do? Contact us directly by phone at (202) 630-1765 or use the form below. If you have a formal referral document, bring it or have it sent ahead of your appointment.
Do I need a court order to get an evaluation?
No. Many individuals seek evaluations voluntarily for personal understanding or treatment planning.
How long does an evaluation take? Most appointments are 1–2 hours depending on the type. Check with each evaluation type to see the usual timeframes for evaluations and reports..
Can reports be sent directly to my attorney or the court? Yes, with proper written authorization.
Do you offer virtual evaluations? Some evaluation types may be conducted virtually. Contact us to discuss whether your specific evaluation can be done remotely.
Can you help me choose the right evaluation?
Yes. Our team is happy to discuss your situation and help determine which evaluation best meets your needs.
Also see:
Are You a Referring Professional?
If you are an attorney, probation officer, court, employer, or other professional referring a client for evaluation, here’s what you need to know:
- Evaluations are conducted by Dr. John-Mike Nelson, PhD, LPC, LSATP, MAC and Cleo Chalk, LPC, CSAC-Resident
- Written reports are completed promptly and tailored to meet legal and professional standards
- Reports can be released to counsel or designated parties with proper written authorization
- We are an approved VASAP provider in Virginia
To refer a client or discuss a specific case, contact us directly at (202) 630-1765 or use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Schedule or Reach Out About Evaluations
Note: If you were referred for an evaluation, it helps to have any paperwork or instructions available when you reach out. This makes it easier to determine whether this service is the right fit.