Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways chemical health services are described. And often, the words most of us use are not the same as words used by lawyers, the court, or others. Also, as the laws change and the requirements for chemical health assessments, chemical dependency education, and other services evolve, it may be tough to keep up. So, we’ve taken a crack at making it simple for you with a thorough list of common questions.

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  • A chemical health assessment is a confidential interview with a licensed counselor to determine the level of risk that drug or alcohol use is to you. It also provides context for education and treatment recommendations. You will be asked questions about your history of drug or alcohol use, lifestyle, medical history, as well as your perception of your use and desire to change.

  • Yes, these terms are often used interchangeably. They are all confidential interviews with a licensed counselor to determine the level of risk that drug or alcohol use is to you. It also provides context for education and treatment recommendations. You will be asked questions about your history of drug or alcohol use, lifestyle, medical history, as well as your perception of your use and desire to change.

  • At Northern Bridges Recovery, we want to help provide support and guidance to individuals who want professional chemical dependency advocacy. Our mission is to help move our clients past the trauma caused by drugs and alcohol in a respectful and professional environment.

  • A copy of your assessment report will be available to you and others within 24 hours of your interview. The report is sent to anyone you’ve identified that needs it, which often includes sending it to court records, your lawyer, or probation professionals, for instance.

  • Each assessment takes between 60 – 90 minutes.

  • Clients are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. We work with our clients to meet all court or probation timelines and requirements.

  • Assessments may be in person or via a video conference.

  • The assessment is private to an extent. The client needs to agree with who will see it, but that generally includes court records, their lawyer, and probation professionals, for instance.

  • Tommy Blass has over 30 years of sobriety and knows that one size fits all plans don’t work for everyone. He prioritizes helping clients resolve their chemical health issues as simply as possible so they may move forward with their lives with minimal time, energy, and financial commitments.

  • Founder, Tommy Blass, has a master’s degree and is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor trained at Hazelden, the premier school for chemical dependency counseling. Additionally, Tommy has over 30 years of recovery experience which gives him a unique perspective, unlike many other drug and alcohol counselors.

    Tommy sees clients not as a diagnosis or a DUI offender, but as people who deserve solid, reasonable, and responsible support. He’ll help you through what’s often a moment of crisis that is confusing and stressful so you can get back to the business of living your life.

  • You should expect to have an open, candid conversation where you’ll be asked questions about your history of drug or alcohol use, lifestyle, medical history, as well as your perception of your use and desire to change.

  • The chemical health assessment report includes a summary of the kind and frequency of substance use and the consequences of that use as well as the individual’s perception of their use and readiness to change.

  • A chemical health assessment determines the level of risk that drug or alcohol use is to you. It also provides context for education and treatment recommendations.

  • Yes, it provides context for education and treatment recommendations if needed.

  • A treatment plan sets goals and objectives and is often time-based. The treatment plans may include medical or other interventions besides education.

  • Chemical health assessments may be done in person or via a video conference, but NOT by phone.

  • While it’s common to feel anxious, we do our best to put you at ease and make the experience comfortable. Expect a one-on-one conversation with a compassionate, trained professional.

  • A chemical health assessment is a 60–90-minute one-on-one conversation with a licensed counselor. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle and history of drug or alcohol use and your willingness to change. The information gives context to education or treatment recommendations. These assessments are often required by the court in cases of DWI or DUI. You do not have to prepare anything ahead of the assessment.

  • You will have the results from your chemical health assessment within 24 hours of your interview.

  • If it is your first DUI and you blew <.16, you will NOT need an interlock. If you blew above .16 or it is a 2nd or more, you will need an interlock regardless of your blood alcohol level.

  • Absolutely, we’re here to help. We cannot offer legal advice, but we’ve seen a lot of situations and are happy to share our experiences and perspectives, whenever possible.

  • Rule 25 is synonymous with a Chemical Health Assessment. These were formally required in Minnesota to receive public funding for any recommended chemical dependency treatment.

  • Bring any information with you that details why a chemical health assessment is required along with any forms from the court, your lawyer, probation, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), or Child Protective Services (CPS).

  • Our Chemical Health Assessments are $185, among the most affordable available.

  • Payment by cash or credit is accepted. Since most insurance companies do not provide coverage for Chemical Health Assessments, it’s our preference to keep our costs down by not billing through insurance companies. This also helps you move through this process as quickly as possible.

  • Payment for Chemical Health Assessments is due at the time of service.

  • Payment by cash or credit is accepted.

  • Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for Chemical Health Assessments. But if you are interested in having your insurance company pay, reach out to them directly to confirm coverage and the terms for it ahead of scheduling with any counselor. Please note, however, that Northern Bridges Recovery does not accept insurance.

  • Since most insurance companies do not provide coverage for Chemical Health Assessments, it’s our preference to reduce the red tape and keep your out-of-pocket costs down by not billing through insurance companies. This also helps you move through this process as quickly as possible.

    If you do need or desire treatment, you can use your insurance for those services.