What Happens During a
SAP Evaluation?

Absolutely not. Dr. Collins built his entire practice around a non-punitive, welcoming approach. He has helped thousands of drivers through this process and understands that a DOT violation does not define who you are as a person or a professional. You will be treated with dignity and respect from the moment you connect with him.

You should be honest during your evaluation. Dr. Collins is a licensed clinical professional — not law enforcement. The information you share is used solely to make the most appropriate clinical recommendation for your situation. Drivers who are honest tend to receive more accurate recommendations and complete the process faster. Minimizing or denying use when it is documented in a positive test result can actually complicate your case.

Not necessarily. Dr. Collins evaluates each case individually. A single, isolated incident — especially with a substance like marijuana — often results in an education-only recommendation rather than treatment. Your screening scores, personal history, and the circumstances of the violation all factor into the recommendation. Many drivers are surprised to learn they only need an educational course.

You should have: (1) A valid government-issued photo ID, (2) Your DOT violation documentation if available (your employer's DER or MRO report), (3) Any prior treatment or counseling records if applicable, (4) Your CDL number and state of issuance. If you are doing a virtual evaluation, have these ready to show on camera. Don't stress if you don't have everything — Dr. Collins can work with what you have.

Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes for your initial SAP evaluation. Dr. Collins is thorough because a complete evaluation leads to the right recommendation — which means less time off the road for you in the long run. The follow-up evaluation (after completing your recommended program) is typically 30–60 minutes.

In many cases, yes. Dr. Collins offers same-week and sometimes same-day appointments for Georgia CDL drivers, especially for virtual evaluations. Call 404-503-8069 and his team will find the earliest available slot for you.

After your evaluation, Dr. Collins will provide you with a written recommendation specifying exactly what you need to complete. He will direct you to an approved education or treatment provider. Once you complete the program, you contact Dr. Collins to schedule your follow-up evaluation. He handles the Clearinghouse reporting at each stage so you don't have to worry about the paperwork.

Dr. Collins is required by DOT regulations to report certain information to your employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER) and to the FMCSA Clearinghouse — specifically, that you have completed the evaluation and what your recommendation is. However, the detailed clinical content of your conversation (what you said, your personal history, etc.) is confidential and is not shared with your employer.

Completely normal — and very common. Many drivers feel anxious before their SAP evaluation because they don't know what to expect or they fear being judged. Dr. Collins is aware of this and goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable from the very first moment. Hundreds of drivers have told us the evaluation was much less stressful than they expected. You've got this.

Yes. As long as you have a smartphone or tablet with a working camera, a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space, you can complete your virtual SAP evaluation from anywhere in Georgia — including a truck stop, a rest area, or your cab. Just make sure you have your ID ready and that you won't be interrupted.

The evaluation itself is identical — the same clinical assessment, the same questions, the same documentation, and the same Clearinghouse reporting. The only difference is the format. Virtual evaluations are conducted via secure video call and are ideal for drivers who are on the road, far from our office, or simply prefer the convenience of not traveling. In-person evaluations are available for drivers who prefer face-to-face interaction. Both are fully DOT-compliant and accepted by all employers.

Dr. Collins' recommendation is based on federal clinical guidelines, standardized screening tools, and his professional clinical judgment. If you have concerns about your recommendation, you can discuss them with Dr. Collins directly. You also have the right to seek a second opinion from another DOT-qualified SAP. However, it is important to understand that completing the recommended program as prescribed — rather than seeking a less intensive option — is the only path to returning to work.