Denise O'Doherty, Psychotherapist
713-524-9525
The purpose of therapy is to create positive changes, to enhance ones sense of self, and to find manageable and empowering solutions to life's challenges.
 

Location, Directions and Map

SALCE EVALUATIONS

SALCE stands for "Substance Abuse and Life Circumstance Evaluation". SALCE evaluations are ordered by the court as a requirement prior to getting driving privileges after a drug or alchohol arrest or charge.

Your appointment will consist of two parts, a written evaluation and a verbal interview. Together they will take about thirty to forty minutes to complete. A history of arrests require more time since there is more information to obtain.

The written evaluation consists of 98 questions. Most questions require a “yes” or “no” answer. The report provides:

1) Analysis and verification of truthfulness of answers provided

2) Analysis of your current stressors that may trigger alcohol or drug abuse

3) Analysis of your level of alcohol and/or drug use

The verbal interview consists of reviewing the SALCE Pre Evaluation Sheets you have printed and brought with you.

After you have completed the interview, I combine the results of the questionnaire and the interview and write a formal report including a clinical summary that is sent to your attorney within the next few days. The overall report assesses responses from the written and verbal assessments regarding drug and/or alcohol dependency or addiction and any other relevant information. When necessary, suggestions for treatment are recommended. We also discuss the law on alcohol and driving and how you can avoid alcohol related problems in the future.

Spanish
Spanish SALCE questionnaires can be given to those who read and write in Spanish. Although I speak some Spanish, the interview is done in English so please bring someone to interpret for you if you do not speak English.

Appointments
All appointments are scheduled via phone. Once you call, appointments are made as soon as possible, usually within 2 or 3 days.

Completed reports are then faxed and or sent to your attorney within a couple of days.

My evaluation needs to be completed and sent to your attorney prior to your court date. Therefore, let me know your court date is when you make your appointment so you can be sure it will be submitted in time.

Instruction to take the evaluation:

    1. Please be on time and plan to spend approximately thirty to forty minutes at my office. My suggestion is that you plan to get to your appointment early in order to avoid having to reschedule. If more time is needed because you are late for the appointment, you will be charged for that time at the hourly rate.
    2. Please print and complete the SALCE Pre Evaluation Sheets and bring them with you when you come to your appointment.
    3. The fee is $200. Payment can be made in cash or by credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discovery only -
      no American Express).
    4. Please provide the name of your attorney, the name of the law firm, and the office and fax number where I will be sending your results.
    5. If you need a copy of your SALCE for your probation officer, bring his/her name and fax number
      at the time of your evaluation and a copy will be faxed.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

Denise O'Doherty
Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
3730 Kirby Dr. Houston, T.X. 77098 (713) 524-9525