Assessment & Evaluation

First Step Recovery provides a wide range of assessment services, which are  often covered by third-party insurance providers or Medicaid.  Normally our clients are referred by another person or agency to complete the evaluation.  Referring sources tend to be physicians, attorneys, probation officers, or concerned parents.

However, anyone may request an evaluation by calling First Step.

Call us at (402) 434-2730 to arrange for a confidential consultation to determine the type of evaluation needed for your particular situation.  First Step offers three broad categories of assessment: substance abuse assessment, gambling assessment, and psychological assessment. 

• Alcohol/other drug evaluations - the cost can be credited toward treatment at First Step.
• Compulsive gambling evaluations - FREE to Nebraska residents. 
• Psychological evaluations - available by appointment.

Appointments can usually be scheduled within one week. Daytime and some evening appointments are available. Evaluations can also be given in Lancaster County Jail, Saline County Jail and other surrounding communities upon the request of the client's attorney.

Two-Phase Evaluation Process

Your first visit, you will complete an extensive questionnaire on your personal history.  It's important to your success that we learn as much about you as possible.  The interpretative results of this process are determined by proven analytical methods and standardized scoring.  Results are kept strictly confidential.

Your second visit, involves a 60-90 minute interview with a highly qualified counselor. We consider all of the areas that can have a significant impact on making a successful recovery, such as medical, environmental, social and psychological factors. This "total person" or integrated approach model helps prevent relapse by accurately identifying the causes and the symptoms, allowing for targeted individualized treatment.

Substance Abuse Assessments

Substance Abuse Assessments are often requested by attorneys, case workers, or officers of the court following a drug charge or similar situation.  However, any concerned person can refer a loved one for evaluation.  

Substance abuse evaluations are conducted by certified substance abuse counselors or licensed mental health providers.  This process helps diagnose and describe abusive use of drugs or alcohol, and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.  The evaluation usually takes at least two hours and includes an interview and paper-and-pencil testing.  The testing includes standardized screeners which help us make decisions about effective specific treatment recommendations.  The examiner will also usually ask you for people he or she can contact by telephone, to help him or her define what are your specific needs.  Usually within 5-7 days, the examiner will submit a written evaluation containing the results of the evaluation and a suggested treatment plan.  The evaluation will be forwarded to whomever you specify when you present for assessment.  

Usually, substance abuse evaluations result in a treatment recommendation available locally within the Lincoln and surrounding community, including: 

• -         Substance abuse education classes

• -         Outpatient treatment

• -         Intensive outpatient treatment

• -         Residential treatment

• -         Inpatient treatment

• -         Medical detox

First Step offers outpatient treatment services; if that is the ultimate recommendation.  For other levels of treatment, we will be happy to provide referrals.

Gambling Assessments

Gambling assessments are conducted by certified gambling counselors credentialed by the State of Nebraska.  The evaluation usually takes at least two hours and includes an interview and paper-and-pencil testing.  The testing includes standardized screeners which help us make decisions about treatment recommendations.  The examiner may also ask your permission to talk to family members about their impressions and incorporate their help into deciding what’s best for your recovery.  First Step also offers a compulsive gambling treatment program.  State funding,  paid for by the Lottery Gambler's Assistance Fund, .allows us to provide gambling assessment at no charge to you.

Evaluation Results

In most cases, results are mailed within 5-7 business days for substance abuse and compulsive gambling evaluations. Psychological evaluation results may take longer.

The results from the evaluation will lead to an unbiased, professional treatment recommendation. You'll be given all options for treatment centers including appropriate treatment programs offered at First Step.

Outpatient

First Step's Outpatient programs provide personalized treatment convenient to your schedule, with minimal interruptions to your life. While more flexible and less costly than inpatient treatment, the outpatient option isn't for everyone. If your evaluation indicates a more intensive treatment is needed, we will provide you with appropriate options.

How do you get someone you love to First Step for evaluation?

Making this first move on behalf of a loved one isn't easy. Please call us and let's visit. Since 1991, we've helped hundreds of families learn to deal with addictions through family educational classes, family therapy, and intervention planning.

 Remember, we're experts in this field. It doesn't cost you anything to find out more.

  Call First Step today at (402) 434-2730.