Substance Use & Emotional Regulation Assessments
Substance Use & Emotional Regulation Assessments — Raleigh, NC
Understanding what is underneath is the first step toward changing it.
Sometimes the behavior that brought you here — whether it is substance use, an emotional outburst, or a pattern you cannot seem to break — is not the real issue. It is a symptom of something deeper. Ashley Dunn specializes in identifying what is actually driving the patterns underneath the presenting behavior and translating that into a clinically sound, court defensible written evaluation.
These assessments are available for court ordered referrals, attorney recommended evaluations, and clients who want a thorough clinical picture of what they are dealing with so they can get the right kind of help.
Dual Licensure Matters Here
Ashley holds dual licensure as both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS). This is rare. It means that both the mental health and substance use dimensions of your situation are assessed by one qualified clinician — without referrals, without gaps, and without having to tell your story twice.
Our Assessment Services
Substance Use Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation of substance use history, patterns, severity, and functional impact. Ashley uses the TAPS (Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication and Other Substance Use Tool) — a validated standardized screening instrument — along with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to produce a thorough clinical picture.
The assessment covers: All substances used past and present Age of first use and current use patterns Impact on work, relationships, health, and legal involvement Withdrawal and overdose history Readiness and motivation for change DSM-5 diagnostic impressions with severity indicators ASAM level of care recommendation Specific treatment recommendations with clinical rationale.
Emotional Regulation Evaluation
An evaluation that examines emotional regulation capacities, trauma history, and trauma related symptoms that may be contributing to the presenting legal charge or clinical concern. This evaluation uses two validated standardized instruments — the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) and the DERS-18 (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale) — to produce a clinically sound written report.
The evaluation covers: Trauma history screening without requiring detailed re-telling Current functioning across all major life domains Clinical observations from the interview Standardized instrument scores with clinical interpretation Trauma related contributing factors connected to the presenting issue DSM-5 diagnostic impressions Evidence based treatment recommendations including ART, IFS, CBT, and DBT Prognosis and treatability
What to Expect
Each assessment is completed in a single telehealth session of approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Ashley conducts a thorough clinical interview, reviews relevant records, and administers standardized instruments. A written report is delivered within 48 hours of the interview.
All reports are: Clinically sound and court defensible Written in clear language accessible to legal and clinical audiences Signed and credentialed by Ashley Dunn, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI Stored securely in our HIPAA compliant client portal Subject to 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality protections for substance use records
How to Get Started
Step 1 Call or text 919-636-9814or email pivotpowercounseling@gmail.com
Step 2 Provide your best email address to be enrolled in our secure SimplePractice portal
Step 3 Complete consent forms electronically and upload any relevant records
Step 4 Schedule your telehealth assessment interview
Step 5 Receive your written report within 48 hours
Ready to Move Forward?
Call or text 919-636-9814 or email pivotpowercounseling@gmail.com to schedule your assessment today.