What Happens After a Substance Use Evaluation?

How the Evaluation Is Finalized

After the clinical interview, OpenGate completes any necessary follow-up and reviews the assessment information, relevant records, and authorized collateral information when applicable.

As part of OpenGate's Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is one component of the assessment. The ASI is not the entire evaluation. Additional standardized, evidence-based screening or assessment instruments may also be used when clinically indicated.

Applicable DSM diagnostic criteria are reviewed. OpenGate documents the diagnostic findings and includes a diagnosis when clinically supported. OpenGate then applies The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition to the level-of-care recommendation and makes an individualized clinical recommendation.

The ASAM Criteria provide a multidimensional clinical framework for determining an appropriate level of care. They are not a pass/fail test or simply a single score.

OpenGate prepares your written report after completing the necessary clinical review. The report explains the findings and individualized recommendations.

Possible Next Steps

There is no single outcome that follows every substance use evaluation. Depending on the findings, possible next steps may include:

• Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education when clinically appropriate;
• Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5) when that level of care is clinically indicated;
• referral to another qualified provider or a different level of care when the person's needs fall outside the services OpenGate provides;
• other clinically appropriate recommendations based on the individual circumstances; or
• no additional OpenGate substance use service when the findings do not support one.

Evaluation, education, and treatment are different clinical and service functions. For a fuller explanation, see Substance Use Education vs. Treatment in Wyoming: What's the Difference?. A recommendation for education or treatment is not an automatic consequence of completing an evaluation.

Continuing Services With OpenGate

If the evaluation recommends Wyoming impaired-driving education, OpenGate can provide that education through Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education. If the evaluation recommends Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5), OpenGate can provide that counseling when Level 1.5 remains clinically appropriate. Clients are also free to choose another qualified provider. If another provider completed the evaluation, OpenGate can review the evaluation and recommendation and provide the applicable OpenGate service when the relevant requirements are met.

Clinical Recommendations and Legal Decisions Are Different

OpenGate makes clinical findings and recommendations. The applicable court, WYDOT, probation/parole authority, or other receiving authority determines how documentation is used and any case-specific requirements or decisions.

Reports, Records, and Authorized Coordination

OpenGate protects confidential client information under applicable Wyoming and Colorado law, Wyoming Department of Health requirements, professional duties, and any federal requirements that apply to a particular record or circumstance. Records received from a program subject to 42 CFR Part 2 may carry additional federal restrictions on use or disclosure. When appropriately authorized or otherwise permitted or required by law, OpenGate may provide relevant information to an authorized recipient.

For information about records and coordination with an attorney, court, probation agency, WYDOT, or another authorized recipient, see Records and Authorized Coordination.

The Goal Is an Appropriate Next Step

The purpose of the evaluation is not to place every person into treatment. It is to identify the clinical findings accurately and determine the next step that is appropriate for that individual.

For one person, that may mean education. For another, it may mean outpatient counseling or referral to another level of care. In some cases, the findings may not support an additional OpenGate substance use service.

The recommendation should follow the evaluation—not the other way around.