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Court-Approved and Court-Ordered Evaluations & Assessments at DeNova

Sep 15, 2025
Our fully staffed clinic is committed to delivering accurate, comprehensive, and timely evaluations that comply with Kentucky court requirements.

When facing legal matters such as child custody disputes, DUI/DWI cases, or court-mandated drug and alcohol assessments, choosing the right behavioral health provider is essential. At DeNova Behavioral Health, we specialize in providing court-approved and court-ordered evaluations and assessments for individuals in Lexington, KY, and Richmond, KY.

What Are Court-Ordered Evaluations and Why Are They Important?

Court-ordered evaluations are professional assessments mandated by the court system to assist judges and legal teams in making informed decisions regarding sensitive matters. These evaluations help courts understand an individual’s mental health, substance use history, parenting capacity, or risk related to DUI/DWI offenses.

At DeNova, our evaluations are recognized for their thoroughness, accuracy, and adherence to legal standards. Whether you are involved in a custody case, facing DUI charges, or require drug and alcohol assessments, our clinicians provide objective and detailed reports to support the court’s decision-making process.

Types of Court-Ordered Evaluations and Assessments Offered at DeNova

Custody & Parenting Evaluations

Custody & parenting evaluations are crucial in family law cases to ensure that child custody and visitation arrangements serve the best interests of the child. Our licensed mental health professionals conduct impartial custody assessments by evaluating parenting abilities, family dynamics, and the child’s needs. We prepare clear, comprehensive reports that assist family courts in Lexington and Richmond, KY, in making informed custody decisions.

DUI/DWI and Substance Use Evaluations

For individuals facing DUI or DWI charges, courts often require substance use evaluations to assess the extent of impairment, addiction risk, and treatment recommendations. DeNova provides state-compliant DUI/DWI evaluations that include interviews, screening tools, and clinical assessments. Our evaluations help determine eligibility for diversion programs or inform sentencing decisions.

Drug and Alcohol Assessments

Courts may mandate drug and alcohol assessments as part of probation, sentencing, or treatment plans. DeNova’s substance use specialists conduct thorough assessments to identify addiction severity and recommend appropriate treatment options based on ASAM, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when applicable.

Court-Ordered Mental Health Assessments

Mental health assessments ordered by the court evaluate an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being, which can impact legal proceedings in family law, criminal cases, or other legal matters. Our clinicians assess symptoms related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions to provide the court with detailed findings.

Why Choose DeNova Mental Health for Your Court-Ordered Evaluations in Lexington and Richmond, KY?

  • Fully Staffed and Experienced Team
    Our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals has extensive experience conducting court-ordered evaluations that meet all legal and clinical standards.

  • Convenient Locations with Flexible Scheduling
    We offer in-person evaluations at our Lexington and Richmond clinics, as well as telehealth options for your convenience. Urgent appointments are often available to meet court deadlines.

  • Private, Comfortable, and Safe Environment
    Our facilities provide confidential rooms designed to make clients feel comfortable during evaluations and assessments.

  • Comprehensive, Clear, and Court-Compliant Reports
    We prepare detailed reports tailored to meet Kentucky court requirements. Our findings are presented clearly to support fair legal outcomes.

  • Compassionate Care Throughout the Process
    We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with court proceedings. Our staff provides respectful, empathetic support throughout your evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Court-Ordered Evaluation at Denova

When you arrive for your court-ordered evaluation, our clinicians will conduct an initial interview to gather your background and relevant information. This may include psychological testing, substance use screening, and discussions about your mental and physical health.

We aim to make the process transparent by explaining each step and answering your questions. After the evaluation, our team prepares a comprehensive report summarizing the findings and recommendations, which is submitted directly to the court or your legal representative. These appointments are typically longer than standard therpy sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Court-Ordered Evaluations

Q: How long does a court-ordered evaluation take?
A: Most evaluations can be completed within one to two sessions, depending on the complexity. Scheduling flexibility helps meet court deadlines.

Q: Are DeNova’s court evaluations accepted by Kentucky courts?
A: Yes, our evaluations comply with all legal standards and are widely accepted by family, criminal, and traffic courts in Lexington and Richmond. We currently work with court systems in multiple counties throughout Central Kentucky.

Q: What if I need a telehealth evaluation?
A: We provide secure telehealth services for many evaluations to offer convenience and privacy. However, inital assessments must be done in person.

Q: What is the difference between DUI and DWI evaluations?
A: DUI refers to “Driving Under the Influence,” while DWI means “Driving While Intoxicated.” Both require substance use assessments to evaluate impairment and treatment needs.

Q: Do you offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders?
A: Yes, DeNova offers MAT as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment services. DeNova has been a leader in Lexington, KY, and Richmond, KY, for 7 years noted for its MAT treatment program. 

Q: Will my evaluation information remain confidential?
A: Yes, your information is kept confidential except as required by the court.

Q: What should I bring to my court-ordered evaluation?
A: Bring any relevant court documents, identification, and a list of medications or prior treatments.

Schedule Your Court-Ordered Evaluation with DeNova Behavioral Health Today

If you need a court-approved custody evaluation, DUI/DWI assessment, drug and alcohol evaluation, or mental health assessment in Lexington or Richmond, KY, trust the experts at DeNova Behavioral Health. Our fully staffed clinic offers prompt scheduling, detailed reports, and compassionate care to help you navigate your legal requirements with confidence.

Call us today or book your appointment online. Rooms are available now for in-person visits, and telehealth options make it easy to comply with court orders from the comfort of your home.