What Is A SAP?
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a qualified expert who helps employees recover from substance abuse issues and safely return to work in safety-sensitive positions.
What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)?
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a mental health or medical professional who can help in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol- and drug-related disorders. The SAP counseling specialists are important for the Department of Transportation important for the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing program.
Think of a SAP specialist as a kind of expert doctor for substance abuse issues. They’re the ones who figure out what’s going on when someone in a safety-sensitive role is involved in a drug or alcohol test.
We are the premier DOT SAP Program listed for Texas on Psychology Today’s website. We approach your care via a holistic model that includes counseling, educational courses, and support groups (all online). We also offer FREE DOT SAP consultations to get you started.
The Clearinghouse SAP list is extensive; however, we offer the best DOT SAP Return to Duty Process available. We aim to keep SAP costs low and provide payment plans. We want you to get what you need.
Online DOT SAP Program
The full cost of the program is $450.
There is a $125 deposit to book your Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Evaluation and begin the program. The deposit amount will be applied to the full program fee. We do not issue refunds on the initial down payment of $125 for SAP. We also don’t issue refunds on any balance after we have the initial evaluation.
We offer payment plan options for the DOT SAP Program. You can discuss payment option with your SAP during the evaluation call.
All payment options include unlimited SAP reports for employers within 1 year.
Tanya Martinez-Cardenas, M.S.
What Do DOT Regulations Say A SAP Must Do?
Think of a SAP as a kind of expert doctor for substance abuse issues. They’re the ones who figure out what’s going on when someone in a safety-sensitive job messes up a drug or alcohol test. Substance abuse professionals are specially trained to diagnose and treat individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Per DOT regulations, the SAP must:
Evaluate
Conduct a face-to-face initial evaluation and clinical assessment to determine the level of assistance needed to solve the alcohol and/or drug-associated problems.
Create a Plan
Recommend and refer the employee to an appropriate education and/or treatment program.
Monitor your progress
Monitor the employee’s progress in the education and/or treatment process through contact with the respective provider(s).
Decide when you’re ready
Conduct a face-to-face follow-up evaluation to determine if the employee has fully and successfully complied with the initial evaluation and recommended course of education and/or treatment.
Set you up for success
Provide the Designated Employer Representative (DER) with a follow-up evaluation and a drug and/or alcohol testing plan for the employee for up to five years.
Give advice
Provide the employer and employee with continuing education and/or treatment recommendations.
Why You Need A SAP
When the phone rings at any SAP office, the first question DOT substance abuse professionals might get once they pick up that phone may sound something like this: “What is the first thing I need to do? I’m not familiar with the process. I’ve never been through this before.” The SAP then proceeds to tell the client that the SAP process consists of three parts.
Comprehensive Evaluation
The first step of the job of SAP counselor is an initial evaluation. Assessments are done to determine whether the employee has a drug or alcohol issue.
Treatment Recommendations
The SAP then determines whether the employee has an addiction issue and makes a recommendation for SAP service. Sometimes, the recommendation from SAP provider entails a course and SAP counselling, and sometimes, it entails an IOP program and AA meetings. Each recommendation is tailored to the individual.
Return-to-Duty Determination
Once the recommendations are completed, which can take anywhere from two days to two months, the Substance Abuse Professional follows up. They look at the completed recommendations and approve or disapprove of the work.
Return to duty
The employee can then either proceed to take their RTD (Return to Duty) test or not. The hiring company administers the RTD test.
Learn more about the Return to Duty Process.
Understanding Non-DOT SAP Evaluations
Many workplaces have rules about drug and alcohol use. Even if your job is outside of a field like trucking or aviation with strict government rules (like the DOT), your company might have its guidelines to ensure everyone is safe and working at their best.
Sometimes, companies ask employees to see a SAP, even if they don’t have to follow the same rules as the DOT. This is called a “non-DOT SAP evaluation.” It’s like having a trusted advisor to help you get back on track if you’ve had a problem with drugs or alcohol. While it’s similar to a DOT SAP, it’s tailored to fit the needs of your specific workplace.
The process is similar to a DOT SAP evaluation. An SAP counsellor will discuss your situation and create a plan to help you get back on track. The big difference is that the information shared with your employer is limited to what they need to know, which helps protect your privacy during the SAP services.
Want to know more? We’re happy to help! Contact an expert SAP provider today.
SAP Report
Request Forms
Did you start a new job? Do you need a SAP Report? We’re here to make things easy. Request a report for yourself or your employer online from an expert SAP counsellor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to help you feel informed before beginning.
How much does a SAP cost, and how do I know if I am getting a good rate?
The cost varies by SAP, but typically, it ranges between $450 and $800. Many SAPs require full payment for their services in advance. The SAP Program has three parts: evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. The evaluation starts at $450. After the evaluation, your SAP will recommend treatment, which depends on the drug and the number of violations. The treatment may cost between $100 and several hundred dollars.
Who will pay once I find a SAP that will work for me?
The responsibility for paying for a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation typically falls on the individual who requires the assessment, which, in this case, would be you as the employee. However, there can be exceptions and variations in how the costs are handled, depending on your employer’s policies, employment contract, and insurance coverage.
I can't afford the treatment recommended by the SAP. What should I do?
We offer a payment plan to help with the costs of the program and get you started sooner. Additionally, government-funded programs may be available to help offset treatment costs. It’s important to explore all available options. We can discuss the details of your situation during your 15-minute consultation.
Who pays for these follow-up tests recommended by the SAP in the follow-up report?
Now, who pays for these extra tests? Well, it depends on the company you work for. Some companies cover the cost of these follow-up tests themselves. But most of the time, if you’re the one who broke the rules, you’re the one who has to pay for these extra tests. It’s like if you accidentally scratched someone’s car while borrowing it—you’d probably have to pay for the repairs.
If you’re not sure, you can check the company’s written rules about drug and alcohol testing. If it’s not clear, it’s acceptable to ask your boss or HR (Human Resources) person for more info. They can tell you more about the testing policy at your workplace.
Can I just go do my own treatment somewhere without notifying my job?
No, you cannot pursue your own treatment without informing your job. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) decides your treatment plan and the type of treatment necessary.
If I don't agree with the SAP's recommendations and treatment plan during the initial evaluation, can I get a second opinion from another SAP?
If you don’t agree with the SAP’s recommendations and treatment plan, you are not allowed to get a second opinion from another SAP.
You or Your Employer Might Think the SAP’s Recommendation is Too Strict
At times, the plan or steps recommended by the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) may appear challenging to follow, possibly involving attending a treatment program or undergoing follow-up tests that feel burdensome.
Your Insurance Might Not Cover the SAP’s Recommendation
Another reason to seek a second opinion is if your insurance does not cover the treatment plan suggested by the SAP. If you cannot afford it and your insurance does not provide coverage, it becomes a problem.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Rules are Clear
Here’s the important part: According to the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, once you start working with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), you are required to continue working with the same SAP. You cannot switch to another SAP to seek a different opinion. If you or your employer attempts to seek a second opinion, you could both be fined.
Just a reminder: If you or your employer think the Substance Abuse Professional’s (SAP) plan is too strict or not covered by insurance, you may want to seek a second opinion. However, according to DOT rules, once you have initiated the process with a SAP, you are not permitted to switch to another SAP for a second opinion. Attempting to do so could lead to fines.