So, what is a drug and alcohol assessment exactly? A court-ordered substance abuse evaluation is an in-depth look into the scale of one’s substance use to make a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. These evaluations look into the type of substance, the dosage, and the frequency with which it is being used to paint a picture of their substance use history.
Drug and alcohol assessments give a better idea of a substance abuser’s circumstances and the depth of substance use. It can also guide those responsible to give the best solution to the problem.
All the information gathered in an evaluation can be used to help someone overcome substance abuse. When trying to know about someone’s struggle, an evaluation is the best way to get exact, accurate information.
Some court-ordered substance abuse evaluations are done for medical purposes. Others are for court as well as other less common reasons. Still, before addressing the “why”, it is important to understand the “how.”
At The Freedom Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, we have all the resources for substance abuse recovery you could need to make that change in your life. Besides medical and psychiatric support, we provide other services to make your transition into sobriety easier.
We also can help you with case management and legal aid should you want it. That way, you can get the treatment you need while also dealing with any legal problems, all at once.
How Does It Work?
A substance abuse evaluation consists of the following components:Screening: The initial stage where the person doing the procedure investigates if there is a problem. Since the goal is to look for a problem, the answer is usually a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.
Assessment: Once the first part is done, comes the more analytical stage. This second step is designed to determine what the problem is. This is the phase where drug tests might be required.
Some alcohol and drug evaluations might also include the following:Follow-up: A follow-up is only needed in case there is a need for treatment or counseling. This would depend on the results of the screening and the assessment. The objective is to check on the subject and see how they are doing.
Referral: This final phase would be recommending a program, treatment, or counselor to the person. It would also depend on the results of the previous steps.
Who Conducts a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?
Usually, these procedures are conducted by trained professionals. However, the screening phase of the process can be completed online as well. People responsible for these are usually licensed professionals that specialize in understanding human behavior. Social workers, psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, doctors, and psychologists are a few examples.
It is also not uncommon for there to be a physical examination or a drug test in the process. Although they are focused on questionnaires, these are extra steps to better understand someone’s condition. However, each phase has its requirements and procedures to be followed.
Screening
The purpose of the screening process is to find whether or not there is a condition to be treated. It also helps in finding if the person is at risk even if they haven’t developed a disorder yet. Screening is in no way meant to diagnose a person, but it is supposed to find out if there’s a problem to begin with.
There areseveralf types of questionnaires used in the process. Some of the most commonly used ones are:
State-Made Inventory: There are cases where a questionnaire is created by the state government. They might be the sole tool used or might be paired with others for the evaluation process.
Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI): This questionnaire is focused on alcohol abuse specifically. Although its structure is a great way to understand abuse-related behavior, it requires honesty to work. It takes into consideration the lifestyle aspects of the user, giving more context to their choices and habits.
CAGE Questionnaire: This is one of the shorter options available, with a mere four questions on substance abuse. Although brief, they are designed to allow answers in detail. Like the previously mentioned test, its accuracy depends on honesty.
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI): This is a test with a 93% accuracy rate that analyzes more than substance abuse risk. While giving the probability of there being a disorder, it also shows how willing the person is to acknowledge it and to change. It can help the assessor tell if substance use is limited to social or recreational use, and how severe it is.
Should the results be positive and the person might have signs of a use disorder, the next step is getting an assessment.
Drug and Alcohol Assessment
The research and analysis elements of this phase are way more in-depth than the screening phase. Besides looking for proof that there is a condition that should be treated, it is also meant to pinpoint symptoms. With this, a practitioner can say what is the disorder and what needs to be treated.
The assessment can also help determine whether or not there is only one issue at hand. When it comes to substance use disorders, it is common to have co-occurring disorders. This would mean suffering from both an addiction and a psychiatric illness as well. It is the case in 60% of cases where a person struggles with substance abuse.
The assessment is meant to be as close to a diagnosis as possible. For that, there are multiple tools available that can help the assessor address the situation. Two of the most commonly used ones are:
Diagnostic Interview Schedule IV: The basis of the questionnaire structure is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It points out if the person meets any diagnostic criteria. It also helps the assessor understand the “course, onset, and recency of positive symptoms,” according to its description.
Addiction Severity Index: It addresses and analyzes seven problem areas of substance abuse. These areas are drug use, alcohol use, family/social status, employment and support, medical status, psychiatric status, and legal status. This doesn’t just help look into substance abuse itself, but the conditions leading to it, factors that influence it, and so forth.
Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Evaluation
A drug and alcohol assessment or court-ordered substance abuse evaluation is something usually ordered by a judge. It is most often requested when a case involves substance abuse and drug-related crime.
Also, the substance abuse evaluation process may be part of the sentencing procedure according to the state where the crime was committed. A drug and alcohol evaluation can be done through a certified state agency. The cost varies in each state, but it is set somewhere between $100 and $150.
A substance abuse evaluation for court can be required in case of drunk driving, for instance. Most cases where a drug and alcohol assessment for court might be needed are: driving under the influence (DUIs); disorderly conduct while intoxicated; possession of drugs or alcohol (can apply to minors); public intoxication; drug trafficking or distribution; manufacturing and/or distribution of controlled substances; and/or use of fake IDs for purchase or consumption.
For a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation or drug and alcohol assessments, some of the documents required are:
A report of your driving history (provided by the DMV or the DDS)
A copy of your assessment, in case of attending a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP)
Copies of arrests, arrest reports, or criminal history
Besides these documents, there will also be an interview regarding your history of substance abuse.
Even if it might seem like an evaluation might get you into more trouble, that is simply not true. Not only is it the start of what could be a treatment process, but it might also benefit you legally as well. Taking a test preemptively might show you are willing to cooperate. Also, it can help a judge tell what would be the right penalty for you. They might recommend counseling, classes, or courses that might help you and help your case in the future.
After the drug and alcohol assessment for is done and analyzed, the judge can make a decision. The next steps will depend on their conclusions as well as the conclusions of the practitioner. Some of the possible requirements can be:
Rehabilitation program (can be either inpatient or outpatient)
Random drug and/or alcohol urine testing
Participating in a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP)
Get The Help You Need at The Freedom Center
If you or someone you love has had legal issues due to substance abuse, a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation may be necessary. Turning one’s life around from that can be hard. After all, it’s difficult to break cycles and patterns, even if they’re harmful. But recovery is possible. Getting in trouble with the law and needing a court-ordered evaluation is a red flag that something needs to change, and there’s no better time than now.
Substance Abuse Treatment at Our Maryland Facility
Here at The Freedom Center, we offer various treatment programs to help those suffering from substance abuse. If you require inpatient addiction treatment or outpatient addiction treatment for your substance use disorder, we can help! Our Maryland treatment center offers a comprehensive addiction treatment program continuum, helping individuals overcome drug or alcohol addiction.
Visit our website and contact us today for more information on our facilities, services, and therapeutic activities. The Freedom Center is here to help you with your substance abuse problem and give you the tools you need to live a healthier life. We hope to help you not just become sober, but become independent, better, and happier. A treatment program is the first step toward recovery and improvement.
Written by: Nick B.
Nicholas B. is the Corporate Director of Admissions for our substance abuse and behavioral health company. Nick’s mission is to provide quality care to every person that reaches out regarding substance abuse or behavioral health questions. Knowledge of an ever-changing industry, compassion when dealing with people, and compliance in every decision are the forces that drive his personal and professional growth.
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A Life Free From Addiction Is Possible
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Janae Seegers, LMSW
Primary Therapist
My name is Janae Seegers and I’m a licensed master’s social worker. I have over three years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges of mental health and substance use. I graduated from Towson University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services, with a track in Child life. I then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. While pursuing my masters, I also received my BCAT certification which allows me to work with clients with Autism. I have experience working with all age groups and backgrounds and have worked in hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and compassion. I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves.
Lazare Shadzeka, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practioner
Lazare Shadzeka is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner via the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with privileges in Maryland and Washington DC. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2014, in the renowned Marymount University and while pursuing a calling of serving the adult, elderly and vulnerable communities, he decided to further his education, consequently receiving his Master of Science in Nursing Degree with honors from Walden University. Lazare has accumulated over eight enriching years in the provision of holistic care to a wide variety of clients, with psychiatric conditions.
Lazare is an enthusiastic, caring and people-oriented person with an innate skill in managing overall patient care and support with provision of psychiatric evaluations, medication management, client education, treatment planning and regular follow-ups. Client wellness, especially when dealing with the delicacy of addictions, remains a priority that drives his full engagement and committed nature.
By starting a cordial relationship with Lazare, clients will experience a caring, collaborative, and engaging environment with the goal of improving outcomes by progressively working towards their goals and improving on their daily lives.
Kathleen Dorman, ADT
Addictions Counselor
Kathleen Dorman is an Alcohol and Drug Trainee Counselor (ADT), with over four years of experience. Kathleen excels in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, which includes mental health issues, addiction, trauma, and grief. Kathleen graduated from Hagerstown Community College with an associate degree in human services. Kathleen has experience working at different levels of care in Substance Use Disorder Treatment, including detox, inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs. Kathleen’s approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of her clients. Kathleen utilizes a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. Kathleen is an active member of Celebrate Recovery in the Hagerstown community. Kathleen is passionate about her faith and is a family-oriented individual. In her spare time, Kathleen enjoys being a cheer mom for her daughter and volunteering her time at her local homeless shelter.
Satta Samura, FNP
Family Nurse Practioner
I graduated from Howard university with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing in 2008 and received the Dean’s award for the Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student and Humanitarian Award. Worked as a Critical Care Nurse in hospital and outpatient settings. Graduated with honors from Walden University in 2018 with Master’s of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner. I am very passionate about the care that I provide as I thrive to provide compassionate and outstanding care with every patient at anytime.
Shannon Moore, ADT
Addictions Counselor
Meet Shannon. Shannon is a certified A.D.T. who has worked in different capacities at several rehabilitation centers in the state of Maryland. Shannon has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Political Science. Prior to entering the substance abuse and mental health field, Shannon was a Corporate Executive for 18 years.
After years of battling alcohol and drug addiction, Shannon found purpose in aiding and assisting the still suffering alcoholic and addict. Shannon decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain his Addiction Counseling degree and certification in Human Services in 2022 from Anne Arundel Community College.
Equipped with empathy, authenticity, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Shannon strives daily to be a beacon of light and to provide “great compassion without compromise.” Shannon’s experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. Steeped in the 12-step philosophy and community, Shannon enthusiastically educates clients, especially newcomers in recovery, on the simple model and its transformative ways to a new life in sobriety.
Erin Marks, M.S. CSC-AD, CPRS
Residential Program Director
Erin has a master’s degree in management from University of Maryland, University College, and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Townson University. Prior to entering the substance abuse and mental health field, Erin was a Special Education Teacher for 10 years.
Being a person in long term recovery, Erin wanted to give back and help those struggling with the disease of addiction. Erin decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain her Addiction Counseling certification. In addition, to being a certified Addictions Counselor, Erin is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), and a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS).
Over the past 7 years, Erin has worked in many different roles within the substance abuse & mental health field including: outreach specialist, discharge coordinator, peer counselor and addictions counselor. Prior to joining the Freedom Center, Erin worked as an addiction counselor with Montgomery County’s chronically homeless individuals who struggle with substance abuse and mental health. Erin’s favorite thing about helping others is seeing the light come back in a client’s eyes and then watching them succeed on their journey to recovery.
Over the past several months, Erin has worked with our team to create a strong clinical program for our residential location in Buckeystown. In addition, she has enjoyed decorating and preparing a safe, comfortable environment for clients and staff. With her passion and drive to bring success to our residential program, Erin is excited for the opportunity to lead our team in Buckeystown as the Program Director. Erin is grateful to be a part of the dedicated, caring and compassionate Freedom Center Team.
Samantha Kunz, ADT
Addictions Counselor
Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery. Currently pursuing her advanced degree in psychology, Samantha’s personal journey of overcoming addiction fuels her passion for supporting others on their path to wellness. Samantha’s own journey of recovery serves as a powerful foundation for her therapeutic services. She approaches her work with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique.
Patrick Hurley, ADT
Addictions Counselor
I began working in the treatment field for alcohol and drug addiction in January 2020, and it has provided me with a sense of purpose, as helping others has always been a passion of mine. I worked in construction prior to this field and needed a complete change in career as I was too suffering from substance addiction. I watch clients walk through the door, broken, and still remember when it was I who felt hopeless. After learning the necessary coping skills and engaging in a 12-step fellowship, my life began to change, and only for the better. I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery. I still engage in a daily program of recovery myself and also enjoy fitness and health, nature, sports, horror movies, video games, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day.
Melissa Cafarelli, ADT, CPRS
Addictions Counselor
Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery. Nationally Certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification board, Melissa’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Armed with credentials as a Registered Peer Supervisor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and Alcohol and Drug Trainee she has earned her place as a guiding light for individuals seeking hope and solace. Melissa’s illustrious journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, while she currently works diligently towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Walden University. Melissa’s personal experiences with addiction and mental health struggles instilled within her a profound passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Her unwavering commitment to peer support, coupled with her own lived experience, fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. She played a pivotal role as a peer support specialist in the overdose response team for Montgomery County, where she collaborated closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, Crisis Center, EMS, MCPD, and Montgomery County hospitals. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Her diverse roles as a case manager, discharge coordinator, behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and clinician have provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself. This profound personal connection fuels her passion for working in the field and enables her to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her role.
David Minnick, CSC-AD, B.A.
Primary Therapist
With six years of experience in addiction therapy, a solid academic foundation in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington, and additional credentials from Anne Arundel Community College, David is a compassionate and dedicated therapist. Currently enrolled in a master’s program for Social Work, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and providing comprehensive care. Inspired by his upbringing in Bolivia, marked by poverty, unaddressed mental health, and substance use, he brings a unique perspective to his role as a Primary Therapist at the Freedom Center. He tailors treatment plans to meet individual needs, fostering healing and growth. Outside of work, he finds solace in outdoor activities like hiking and woodworking. With his expertise, experience, and passion for helping others, David is an asset to the Freedom Center, empowering individuals on his recovery journey.
James Scribner
Founder
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Corey Hassett
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.
Ashlyn Jacobs, LMSW
Primary Therapist
My name is Ashlyn Jacob and I’m a licensed master’s social worker. I have over four years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, trauma, grief, and other issues individuals may experience. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves.
Sydney Tubbs
Operations Director
Sydney Tubbs is a driven and compassionate Operations Director at The Freedom Center. With a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction, Sydney has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse. Her exceptional leadership skills, coupled with her unwavering commitment to delivering high- quality care, have allowed her to successfully oversee the day-to-day operations of a leading addiction treatment facility. With herself and her staff their main goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our clients. Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, Sydney empowers individuals on their journey towards recovery, offering hope and healing to those in need.
Mary Seal
Client Care Manager
Mary is an experienced Client Care Manager with 20+ years in customer service. She excels at problem-solving and takes pride in delivering tailored solutions. Mary builds strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction with each interaction. Her attention to detail and communication skills are valuable assets. Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and family time.
Michael Kirby
Director of Community Outreach
Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
Vanessa R. Hill, CAC-AD
Clinical Supervisor – Primary Therapist
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Alexandra Gifford
Director of Operations
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
Federico Douglas, ADT
Group Facilitator
Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is a certified A.D.T. who is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
Bunmi Odubayo, B.A., ADT
Group Facilitator
Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff. Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery.
Cheryl Moore MSW, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Whether she’s leading group therapy or providing an individual therapy session, Cheryl’s expansive knowledge and genuine compassion paired with her deep drive to help people are always on display at The Freedom Center.
Kevin Sockwell, LCPC, LCDAC
Primary Therapist
Meet Mr. Kevin Sockwell. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.
Judy Serfaty, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Nadine Fogoum, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Deirdre Angelastro, CRNP, MPH
Family Nurse Practitioner
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Dr. Mark Illumanti, MD
Medical Director
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
Maxwell Cohen
Administrative Director
A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Accruing years of hands-on experience working alongside the administrators of facilities across the country in development of their own unique programs gave Max a unique and robust perspective into the administrative requirements of addiction treatment programs. Today, Max is able to channel his passion for battling the disease of addiction into ensuring The Freedom Center maintains strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by The Joint Commission and our partnerships in the insurance industry, and is constantly striving to improve the overall performance of the facility.
The purpose of the screening process is to find whether or not there is a condition to be treated. It also helps in finding if the person is at risk even if they haven’t developed a disorder yet. Screening is in no way meant to diagnose a person, but it is supposed to find out if there’s a problem to begin with.
There areseveralf types of questionnaires used in the process. Some of the most commonly used ones are:
State-Made Inventory: There are cases where a questionnaire is created by the state government. They might be the sole tool used or might be paired with others for the evaluation process.
Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI): This questionnaire is focused on alcohol abuse specifically. Although its structure is a great way to understand abuse-related behavior, it requires honesty to work. It takes into consideration the lifestyle aspects of the user, giving more context to their choices and habits.
CAGE Questionnaire: This is one of the shorter options available, with a mere four questions on substance abuse. Although brief, they are designed to allow answers in detail. Like the previously mentioned test, its accuracy depends on honesty.
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI): This is a test with a 93% accuracy rate that analyzes more than substance abuse risk. While giving the probability of there being a disorder, it also shows how willing the person is to acknowledge it and to change. It can help the assessor tell if substance use is limited to social or recreational use, and how severe it is.
Should the results be positive and the person might have signs of a use disorder, the next step is getting an assessment.
If you or someone you love has had legal issues due to substance abuse, a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation may be necessary. Turning one’s life around from that can be hard. After all, it’s difficult to break cycles and patterns, even if they’re harmful. But recovery is possible. Getting in trouble with the law and needing a court-ordered evaluation is a red flag that something needs to change, and there’s no better time than now.
