SPECIALIZED SERVICES

EVALUATIONS & INTERVENTION SERVICES IN PITTSBURGH, PA

EVALUATIONS

We provide comprehensive evaluations in the following circumstances:
Custody-Related Substance Abuse Evaluations
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. They take place when there are allegations of substance abuse in child custody matters. Using in-depth face-to-face interview(s) with the client, recognized pen and paper screening and testing instruments, appropriate drug and alcohol testing, and interviews with collateral contacts, as indicated, the information gathered is used to provide a comprehensive picture of the client related to drug and alcohol use. A thorough written summary of findings is provided that includes a discussion of the chief concerns, and clinically indicated recommendations. Clients are given Informed Consent information to help ensure they understand the scope of my evaluation, and to help clarify my role.
Evaluations for Forensic/Legal Matters
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. There are areas where psychological and legal concerns intersect. Dr. Herman's involvement is to provide professional evaluation and expert opinion regarding criminal/forensic issues concerning the presence and severity of addictive disorders and the client's current circumstances. These services include, but are not limited to:
  • Evaluation and recommendation
  • Alcohol & other drug testing
  • Addiction-specific testing
  • Reporting to the Court
Clients are given Informed Consent information to help ensure they understand the scope of my evaluation, and to help clarify my role.

EXPERT WITNESS

Issues and circumstances related to drug and alcohol problems can be confusing. The lines and distinctions between substance use, misuse, abuse, and addiction are often subtle, and can be difficult to assess. This process can become even more complicated when there are legal dynamics as well.

Dr. Herman has over 20 years experience in substance abuse evaluation, recommendation, and treatment. He has conducted over 6,000 such evaluations, including cases that have involved impaired professionals, child custody matters, out-of-state DUI/DWI, and other forensic/legal concerns. He also has specific training and experience regarding the criteria used to properly place individuals into different types of treatment programs.

His involvement in these situations is to provide professional evaluation and recommendation(s) regarding the issues at hand concerning the individual's current circumstances. When necessary, he can provide expert testimony regarding the evaluation, findings, and interpretation of clinically significant information.

Other Expert Witness related services

  • Second Opinion Evaluations
  • Dr. Herman conducts these evaluations, and they typically occur when an individual, or a referral source, seeks clarification regarding the results of a previous evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is generally to challenge or to reinforce a previous recommendation. Dr. Herman will furnish a report outlining his recommendation(s), and the clinical reasons supporting his opinion.
  • Document Review
  • In situations where there is ambiguity related to substance abuse evaluation, recommendation, or treatment, Dr. Herman will review the appropriate clinical records, and offer a professional opinion based on diagnostic or addiction-related criteria. This service is used either by clinicians who want an opinion on particulars relating to substance abuse matters, or by attorneys regarding cases in which substance abuse concerns may have legal or financial ramifications.

STANDARD SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATIONS

There are situations in which an individual requires an assessment to determine if substance use patterns warrant treatment. This is often at the request of a family member, employer, or other concerned person, frequently due to a specific incident or a pattern of incidences.

Either Dr. Herman or Mr. Ash conducts these evaluations, and will provide a recommendation based on clinical findings.
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE INTERVENTIONS:

What is an Intervention?

The purpose of an Intervention is to break through the drinker or drug user's denial and defense mechanisms, which grow in strength together with the addiction. In an Intervention, those most affected by the addictive behavior confront their loved one, preferably under the guidance of a trained Interventionist. This is done in a positive, supportive, but firm way, with participants sharing their observations, and explaining how the drinker or drug user's behaviors have affected all concerned parties. The goal is to get the loved one into appropriate treatment, depending on need. We also focus on the family's needs – you have been dealing with active addiction too.
Is it time for an Intervention?
  • If someone else's behavior is affecting your life.
  • If they continue to promise that they will stop drinking or using.
  • If you are repeatedly told that YOU have the problem.
  • If they refuse to discuss their behavior and try to make it your fault.
  • If they agree to quit … after vacation/the weekend/the holidays, always tomorrow.
  • If you feel that you have been manipulated – yet again.

Then you might need a professional Intervention.
To Discuss Your Situation
  • If you would like to find out more about the Intervention services that are available to you, and whether your situation warrants an Intervention, take the next step. This initial phone conversation or email exchange is at no cost. Everything we discuss is entirely confidential. Making the decision to go ahead with an Intervention can be difficult, for a variety of reasons. Placing this initial phone call, or sending an initial email can be the hardest part. Loved ones live with active addiction, and are not always aware of the toll it takes on them. Addiction can be treated. However, like so many other conditions, addiction only gets worse if it is not addressed.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL (SAP)

  • Individuals who have a commercial driver's license, or who perform certain safety-sensitive duties, are governed by the rules and regulations of the federal Department of Transportation. Under specific guidelines, a person who tests positive on a drug or alcohol test is required to have a substance abuse evaluation conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and to follow the SAP's treatment recommendations prior to being considered for returning to safety sensitive duties. Dr. Herman in a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and is able to perform these evaluations.

  • Simply working in the substance abuse field DOES NOT qualify as being a Substance Abuse Professional. If you are looking for a SAP evaluator, please verify their credentials. Dr. Herman is trained and qualified as a SAP by Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. He is also certified in Addiction Evaluation / Examination, and has conducted over 6,000 drug & alcohol evaluations.
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How This Works

When someone tests positive on a DOT alcohol or drug test:
  • There is a face-to-face evaluation to determine the extent of the substance abuse problem, and to determine what to do next;
  • Depending on the results of the evaluation, he provides a referral to an appropriate education or treatment program;
  • Following this, a mandated second face-to-face follow-up evaluation takes place to determine if the individual has actively participated in the education or treatment program, and has demonstrated successful compliance with the recommendations;
  • When appropriate, he provides the employer with a follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing program, and any follow-up treatment, as needed.
  • There are instances where an individual has violated employer- or other - policy regarding drug or alcohol usage, but is unrelated to the Department of Transportation. These individuals also require an evaluation.
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