Written assessments
Court and agency assessments, prepared properly.
If a court, attorney, or agency has told you that you need an evaluation, you are likely working against a deadline and unsure what the process involves. This page explains it plainly.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) assessments
OASAS approved. Substance abuse and mental health evaluation for drivers facing DWI or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charges. For the court, the district attorney, probation, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or your attorney. Includes a structured clinical interview, standardized screening, and a written report with findings and treatment recommendations.
Immigration assessments
Psychosocial evaluations prepared for immigration attorneys and submitted with petitions to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the immigration court, including extreme-hardship waivers, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U-visa petitions, asylum claims, and cancellation of removal. The report documents history, circumstances, and emotional impact in the detail these filings require.
Family Court assessments
Psychosocial assessments for Family Court matters, including custody and visitation, Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions, neglect proceedings, and services referrals. Grounded in years preparing psychosocial histories for school Committees on Special Education and coordinating Suffolk County's PINS program.
Please note: This practice provides clinical assessment, not legal representation or legal advice. Reports set out professional clinical findings. How they are used in your matter is a question for your attorney. An assessment is an independent professional evaluation. Its conclusions reflect the clinical findings and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
How the process works
Four steps, typically completed within one to two weeks of your appointment. Expedited timelines can often be accommodated when a court date requires it. Say so when you call.
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Call and describe your deadline
Tell us the type of assessment, who requested it, and the date it is due. You will be told immediately whether that timeline is workable and what the fee will be.
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Gather your documents
Bring what you have. If documents are missing, come anyway. We will work out what is genuinely needed.
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The interview
A thorough clinical interview, generally 60 to 90 minutes, in person or online. Immigration and Family Court assessments sometimes involve a second session or interviews with family members.
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The written report
The completed report is delivered to you, your attorney, or the requesting agency as you direct in writing.
What to bring
| Assessment | Helpful documents |
|---|---|
| DWI | Photo identification, the court's or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written request, arrest report or accusatory instrument, prior treatment records, and attorney contact information |
| Immigration | Photo identification or passport, your attorney's contact information and the petition type, and any supporting records (medical, police, school, country conditions) your attorney has provided |
| Family Court | Photo identification, the court order or referral letter, the docket number, relevant school, agency, or medical records, and attorney or law guardian contact information |
Assessment fees
At this time the practice does not accept insurance, so assessments are paid for directly. The practice is exploring the possibility of accepting insurance and hopes to be able to do so in the near future. Evaluations requested by a court, an attorney, or an agency are generally not covered by health plans no matter who performs them, because they are not treatment.
You will be quoted a flat fee for your assessment type, including the written report, before anything is scheduled. If your deadline requires expedited handling, that is quoted at the same time. You are also entitled to that estimate in writing. See Your right to a Good Faith Estimate.
Acceptable forms of payment are cash, Zelle, Venmo and Paypal.
Questions attorneys and clients ask
Will the court accept this assessment?
This practice is approved by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for substance abuse and mental health assessment, and has prepared assessments for New York courts and agencies for many years. If your court or agency has specific requirements for the evaluator, tell us when you call and we will confirm before you schedule.
How quickly can a report be completed?
Most reports are delivered within one to two weeks of the interview. If your court date is sooner, say so at the outset. Expedited handling is frequently possible.
Who receives a copy of the report?
Only the people you authorize in writing. Reports are commonly released to your attorney, the court, probation, the DMV, or the referring agency, and you may also receive a copy for your own records.
Can attorneys refer clients directly?
Yes. Attorneys, law guardians, probation officers, school districts, and community agencies are all welcome to refer directly. Call to discuss timelines, required scope, and the referral packet you should send.
Can the assessment be completed online?
In many cases, yes, including for clients outside New York or abroad. Some courts and agencies require an in-person interview, so this is confirmed before scheduling.
Working against a court date?
Call and give us the deadline. You will get a straight answer about whether it can be met, and what it will cost, in the first conversation.