Frequently Asked Questions

  • ECH Substance Use Evaluation Services of Boston’s evaluations stand apart because they are grounded in honest, forensic clinical reporting and supported by a trusted reputation with RMV and DMV agencies throughout New England as well as with Drug Courts and diversion programs that rely on accurate, unbiased assessments

    As a doctoral‑level, independently licensed clinical provider, Dr. Nuzzolo delivers clear, evidence‑based evaluations that meet the expectations of courts, attorneys, probation departments, and licensing authorities who require precise documentation for decision‑making.

    This commitment to integrity, clarity, and clinical rigor ensures that each report is taken seriously and consistently meets the standards required for reinstatement, compliance, and multi‑state administrative review.

  • Working with us is a supportive, straightforward, and fully telehealth‑based experience designed to make the evaluation process as comfortable and stress‑free as possible.

    All evaluations are conducted through secure video sessions, allowing you to participate from your home or private setting without the pressure of an in‑person appointment.

    Our approach is non‑judgmental, respectful, and focused on understanding your history and current circumstances with professionalism and compassion.

    We provide clear guidance at every step, explain what to expect, and ensure that you feel heard, understood, and informed throughout the process.

    Our role is to help you meet the requirements of the RMV, DEEP, Courts, DCF, employers, or security‑clearance agencies with confidence, clarity, and a sense of partnership—not scrutiny.

  • The cost of the evaluation is $450. If you require an immediate evaluation—defined as one scheduled within one week of your hearing date—the cost is $550. Insurance does not cover this service, and payment is collected at the time of the evaluation via credit card.

  • The evaluation takes approximately one hour and includes a structured clinical interview, history gathering, and outcome measures that assess current substance use status and risk of recidivism.

    This timeframe allows for a thorough, evidence‑based assessment while ensuring the process remains efficient and focused.

  • The evaluation includes a detailed review of your substance use history, documentation of any relevant legal information, and an assessment of current functioning and risk of recidivism. The clinician gathers background information, explores patterns of use, and evaluates treatment history, stability factors, and overall readiness for safe decision‑making. All findings are documented in a clear, agency‑ready report.

  • Insurance does not cover assessments that are considered administrative or legal evaluations rather than clinical treatment services, and therefore must be paid out‑of‑pocket at the time of service.

  • To initiate this process, fill out the contact form below with the following information or email directly to INFO@ECHBOSTON.ORG

    Your full name, date of birth, hearing date (if applicable), name of your attorney (if applicable), and your general availability including best days and times.

    Once received, your portal invitation will be sent to and you will be guided through the next steps, on completing your intake documentation and assessment forms.

    Providing complete information ensures that your evaluation can be scheduled promptly and that all deadlines are met.

  • After the evaluation, you will receive a professionally written report that includes diagnostic impressions, risk assessment, and any required recommendations. This report is prepared to meet the standards of the RMV, DEEP, Courts, Drug Courts, DCF, employers, or security‑clearance agencies. You may submit the report directly to the requesting entity or provide it to your attorney for review.

  • All evaluations are conducted over a secure, HIPAA‑compliant telehealth platform that meets all federal and healthcare privacy standards.

    Sessions take place through encrypted video conferencing, allowing you to complete your evaluation from your home or any private setting without the need to travel.

    The telehealth system we use is designed specifically for healthcare delivery, ensuring confidentiality, protected communication, and full compliance with clinical and administrative requirements. This format provides a convenient, accessible, and secure way to complete your evaluation while maintaining the same level of professionalism and clinical rigor as an in‑office assessment.

  • What is an Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluation?

    An Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluation is a formal clinical assessment completed for individuals who live outside Massachusetts or who are completing legal, administrative, or reinstatement requirements issued by another state. The evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview, detailed review of alcohol and drug use history, full DUI history when applicable, validated screening tools, diagnostic impressions when appropriate, and a written report suitable for legal and administrative review. These evaluations are conducted through secure telehealth and meet the documentation standards required by courts, probation departments, attorneys, child‑welfare agencies, and licensing authorities.

    Who needs an Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluation?

    Individuals typically need an Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluation when they have legal, administrative, or reinstatement requirements in a state other than the one in which they currently reside. This includes people with DUI‑related obligations, probation conditions, court‑ordered assessments, attorney‑requested evaluations, DCF or CPS involvement, or RMV‑related requirements connected to Massachusetts. Many clients also seek these evaluations when relocating, when completing requirements from a previous state of residence, or when an agency requests an independent, evidence‑based assessment.

    What agencies accept Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluations?

    Out‑of‑State Substance Use Evaluations are accepted by courts, probation departments, attorneys, and child‑welfare agencies nationwide, as well as by administrative and licensing authorities in states that recognize reciprocal‑agreement evaluations. Because these evaluations are clinical assessments—not treatment—they may be completed by an independently licensed clinician regardless of the client’s location. This includes acceptance by Massachusetts RMV for DUI‑related reinstatement requirements, by DCF and CPS agencies for child‑welfare matters, and by courts and legal professionals across the United States for criminal, civil, and administrative cases.

  • RMV‑Compliant Substance Use Evaluations are completed with validated assessment tools and meet all Registry of Motor Vehicles requirements for reinstatement and administrative review. Reports are accepted across all reciprocal‑agreement states.

    The only states that do not participate in the reciprocal agreement—and therefore require prior approval or state‑specific evaluator certification—are Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

    Some states also require that DUI or substance use evaluations be completed by an evaluator who is licensed or certified in that specific state. These include Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, which maintain strict rules and will only accept evaluations completed by their own in‑state providers.

    What if I no longer live in one of these states If you have moved out of one of these states, you can typically use an out‑of‑state evaluator—as long as you are not attempting to reinstate a driver’s license in that same state. Once you relocate, your new state’s rules apply, not the rules of the state you left.

  • Can Security Clearance - Employment evaluations be completed if I live out of state?

    Yes. Security Clearance substance use evaluations can be completed for out‑of‑state clients through secure telehealth. These evaluations meet the clinical, administrative, and documentation standards required by federal agencies, defense contractors, law‑enforcement entities, and employers who rely on accurate, unbiased assessments for clearance determinations.

    What does a Security Clearance evaluation include?

    The evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview, a detailed review of substance use history, validated screening tools, a risk‑of‑recidivism analysis when appropriate, and a clear, evidence‑based written report suitable for Security Clearance adjudication.

    The report addresses relevant behavioral, occupational, and compliance factors in a format recognized by clearance reviewers.

    Are these evaluations accepted by federal and contractor agencies?

    Substance Use Evaluation Services of Boston’s evaluations are completed by a doctoral‑level, independently licensed clinician and are widely accepted by agencies and employers that require substance use assessments as part of the clearance process. Clients are encouraged to confirm whether their agency has any additional documentation requirements.

    How is the evaluation conducted for out‑of‑state clients?

    All components are completed through secure telehealth, allowing clients to meet clearance‑related requirements without traveling. Documentation is delivered electronically in a format suitable for federal, military, and contractor review.

    What documents should I prepare?

    Clients should gather any Security Clearance correspondence, employer or agency requests, prior evaluations, and identification. Additional materials may be requested depending on the nature of the clearance review, and individuals are encouraged to verify with their agency whether supplemental documentation is needed.

  • ECH is not responsible for evaluation outcomes related to recidivism‑risk ratings, current substance use status, or any other findings that emerge from the assessment process.

    Our role is limited to providing an objective, evidence‑based evaluation of your current functioning, substance use history, and overall clinical presentation.

    The results of the evaluation reflect the information you provide, your documented history, and the outcomes of validated assessment measures.

    We do not control or influence legal decisions, reinstatement determinations, case outcomes, or administrative rulings made by the RMV, DEEP, Courts, Drug Courts, DCF, employers, or security‑clearance agencies.

    Final legal outcomes are determined solely by the requesting agency.

    Because evaluations involve professional time, clinical analysis, and preparation of a legally recognized report, all evaluation fees are non‑refundable regardless of the outcome or decisions made by external agencies.