Need to complete a substance abuse evaluation for Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program? Here’s what you need to know upfront:

• What is ARD? A pretrial program for first-time, nonviolent offenders (like DUIs) that helps dismiss and expunge charges after meeting specific requirements.
• Why the Evaluation? It determines if counseling or treatment is needed and is mandatory for ARD acceptance in DUI or substance-related cases.
• How to Get It Done: Use a state-accepted evaluator (like DrugEval.com for telehealth options). Costs range from $199 (48-hour report) to $249 (24-hour expedited report).
• Steps to Follow:
  1. Book an appointment on our Start Now page
  2. Complete the intake questionnaire.
  3. Attend a telehealth session with a licensed/certified counselor.
  4. Submit the report to the court or probation office before your hearing.

Skipping the evaluation disqualifies you from ARD, so act fast to stay eligible for a clean record.

Online Evaluations Through DrugEval.com

DrugEval.com offers secure telehealth evaluations conducted by certified addiction counselors. Their reports, which are 9 to 10 pages long, are accepted by courts, probation departments, and attorneys. Reports are delivered within 48 hours for $199, or you can choose expedited 24-hour delivery for $249.

How DrugEval.com Works

• Schedule & Fill Out a Questionnaire: Use their online scheduler to book your session. Choose between 48-hour or 24-hour delivery, then complete the secure intake form.
• Telehealth Session: Meet with a certified counselor via video appointment.
• Receive and Submit Your Report: Download the completed evaluation and submit it to the appropriate court or probation office.

Completing Your Evaluation

Once you’ve booked your appointment, it’s time to get ready for your evaluation.

Pre-Evaluation Checklist

Make sure you have the following:

• Court documents outlining your ARD requirement
• Any medical or treatment records that might be relevant

Schedule your evaluation early enough to ensure results are ready before your court date!

What to Expect During the Evaluation

The evaluation process has two main parts:

1. Fill out an online questionnaire covering your social, legal and medical history, any treatments or medications, and personal background.
2. Meet with a licensed counselor via secure video. They will review your answers, assess your history, and provide treatment recommendations.

Submitting Your Report

1. Check your email for a secure download link for your 9–10 page report. Standard reports are ready in 48 hours, while expedited ones are available in 24 hours.
2. Double-check all your personal details for accuracy.
3. Send the signed report to your attorney, probation office, or ARD coordinator.

Keep a copy for yourself, as some courts may require the original report sent directly by the evaluator.

After this, review your results and proceed with the next steps in the process.

Post-Evaluation Steps

Understanding Your Results

After submitting your report, take a close look at the counseling recommendation provided:

The report will indicate whether counseling is required. If it is, make sure to complete it to fulfill the terms of your ARD agreement ^[3].

Next, focus on meeting the main ARD requirements listed below.

Fulfilling ARD Obligations

• Attend drug or alcohol counseling if recommended.
• Participate in regular probation supervision, such as scheduled check-ins.
• Complete Alcohol Highway Safety School.
• Comply with any driving privilege suspensions, if applicable.
• Pay all ARD-related costs and fees.
• For Dauphin County defendants, ensure acceptance fees and restitution are paid at least seven days before court. Online payments should be made at least ten days in advance to allow processing ^[1].
• Finish any required community service hours ^[3].

Tips for Staying on Track

• Complete any recommended counseling as soon as possible ^[3].
• Reach out to your attorney or probation officer if you have questions ^[3].
• Plan and schedule all ARD requirements to meet deadlines and avoid delays or removal from the program ^[3].

Conclusion: Complete Your ARD Evaluation Successfully

Once your evaluation is scheduled and completed, you’ll be on track to meet ARD deadlines and move closer to program acceptance.

Here’s how to ensure everything is done before your ARD hearing:

• Schedule and complete the intake questionnaire
• Attend your telehealth evaluation
• Download and submit your report before the hearing

Submitting your report on time is crucial for staying eligible for a dismissed and expunged record.

Afterward, take a moment to review any suggested treatment steps to fulfill all ARD requirements.