Q: Aren't all evaluations the same?
A: NO! There are major differences in evaluation design, evaluators' qualifications, and the interpretation of test results. Assessments are designed to identify whether or not you are chemically dependent. They might also recommend treatment programs and facilities that can best help you if you are. Because of this, mental health counselors and evaluators who are affiliated with hospital based treatment centers often struggle with a conflict between the actual needs of the client and the need to fill their facilities' treatment beds and therapy sessions (creating an undeniable bias against anyone they diagnose).

Because denial -a common symptom of alcoholism and drug abuse- is very often difficult to detect, most alcohol and drug test designs have been overly concerned with missing the identification of an alcoholic in denial. Counseling agencies and hospital-based treatment centers typically administer tests that are written very broadly so people with alcohol and/or drug problems do not slip through undetected. Unfortunately, as a result, people who do not have chemical dependency problems are often diagnosed as being in denial. In a recent study, it was discovered that these tests were incorrectly identifying non-dependent people as having alcohol and/or drug problems 43% of the time. In other words, many people were being misdiagnosed and labeled as alcoholics or addicts, when, in reality, they were not. A diagnostician can only be as good as his or her training, the quality of the test, and the evaluator's unbiased interpretation. Misdiagnoses, along with costly and unnecessary treatment services, have influenced insurance companies to closely monitor and limit admissions for chemical dependency treatment.

Q: How is The NESS Center different?
A: At The NESS Counseling Center we guarantee your privacy, confidentiality and comfort. We will schedule your assessment at your convenience. The NESS Center has no affiliation with any residential treatment provider, assuring you the utmost integrity in the evaluation process. Our strict adherence to this policy of non-affiliation guarantees that the results will be without bias.

Q: How are assessments done over the telephone?
A: When you call The NESS Counseling Center you will be interviewed by a highly qualified professional. All diagnosticians are supervised by a licensed counseling psychologist and/or certified addictions professionals, and we use only state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluation instruments. Our diagnostic tests have been scientifically researched and proven to be the most reliable tests available for alcohol and drug addiction. The end result is: A 90% accuracy of early abuse, 98% reliability of middle and late stage addictions, and a screen that successfully identifies non-dependent people. Phone interviews eliminate biases toward certain populations and subgroups, significantly increasing the reliability of the assessment. It is easier to accurately asses someone -regardless of sex, race or age-when only the facts are considered. Since phone interviews can be done from the comfort of your own home, chances are you will be more relaxed than you would be in a clinical setting. And the more relaxed you are, the more open the process and the more precise the outcome.

Q: Will an assessment from The NESS Center be accepted by the court?
A: The NESS Counseling Center guarantees its assessment will be accepted by the court. Our staff has more than 20 years experience in the chemical dependency and counseling field, so you can be assured we will provide you with documentation that is acceptable in any court. We utilize two scientifically validated diagnostic instruments to determine the severity, if any, of a chemical dependency problem. We cross check our scales to verify outcomes prior to presenting them to you, guaranteeing accuracy and avoiding harmful mislabeling of non-dependent people. Our primary diagnostic evaluation instrument is the only diagnostic test recommended by the major funding and accrediting bodies of the federal government including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

Q :What do I get and how much does the assessment cost?
A: The cost of the evaluation interview, written diagnostic report, delivery of the report, all phone calls and follow-up consultation is a set fee. Payment must be received before, or at the time of the interview. We accept checks, Mastercard and VISA. The assessment results are validated against a second test instrument, creating an accurate and detailed diagnostic report. The diagnosis is easily located within the report and includes a detailed explanation. If applicable, specific treatment recommendations, based strictly on your personal needs, will be included with the diagnosis. If treatment or counseling is required, we will provide you with written information and telephone support that will help you choose a quality care provider.

Q: What if I need a signed copy for my attorney or the courts?
A: You will automatically receive an original and one copy of your report delivered to you. If you prefer, with your authorization, we can send the report directly to the courts, your attorney's office, or anywhere you request. Keep in mind that we work for you and cannot and will not release information -over the phone or in writing- to any person or organization without your authorization.

Q: How long does the process take?
A: You can call The NESS Counseling Center, Sunday through Friday. We will ask if you are available to do the assessment at that time or if you prefer to set an appointment. Once the 60-90 minute evaluation interview is completed, we can get the results to you as soon as you need them. We usually deliver the results within three to five days after the interview; however, if needed, we can deliver the entire assessment within hours for a small additional fee.

At The NESS Center, our counselors care about you and want you to be free from bias and stress. Why not have the most accurate evaluation available? If you want a reliable assessment, contact us now.