The primary focus of Assessment Services is to provide comprehensive, objective and cost-effective clinical assessments and evaluations for: Intoxicated Drivers, Adult Protective Services, Juvenile and Probate Courts, and EAP assessments for Dane County employees and their families. An additional primary focus is clinical and administrative coordination for two jail diversion programs: the Treatment Alternatives Program and the Dane County Drug Court Treatment Program. Alcohol/drug and broad-brush mental status assessments are also available to social service agencies and private individuals.

The program also offers: ‘Central Intake’ screenings and assessments to individuals and families seeking Mental Health Center services, and 'New Directions' information services.

Hours – Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Limited number of appointments on Monday evening.

SERVICES / Alcohol/Drug & Mental Health

› Intoxicated Driver Assessment Program
Under Chapter 20, WI Laws of 1981, and related statutes, persons who are convicted of operating a motor vehicle, boat, or all-terrain vehicle while intoxicated are required to complete an alcohol/drug assessment as defined in Ch 51.45. The primary goal of the Chapter 20 (Intoxicated Driver) Assessment Program is to provide accurate, professional assessments of clients referred by various courts, as well as the WI Department of Transportation, for OWI-related offenses and to monitor clients' compliance with the driver safety plans developed for them by Clinical Assessment Program assessors. – Phone (608) 280-2630

› Treatment Alternatives Program & Drug Treatment Court
These multi-agency programs are administered by DCDHS to provide prosecution and sentencing alternatives to the criminal justice system for persons with substance use problems. The programs divert inmates from the jail, or divert people who are headed to jail, into a community based program of case management and AoDA treatment. The Clinical Assessment Program provides operational oversight, interagency coordination, as well as initial screening, assessment, and referral to appropriate treatment and other community resources.. – Phone (608) 280-2650

› Probate Court Assessments
Under WI Statutes-Chapters 55, 880, and WI-Act 366, persons alleged to be incapable of taking care of their basic needs may be court-ordered to accept protective services or protective placements under adult guardianship and protective service laws. The Clinical Assessment Program provides multi-disciplinary evaluations to help Probate Court identify the most clinically appropriate and least restrictive services for each client court ordered under the above statutes. – Phone (608) 280-2640

› Other Court Ordered Assessments
Under Chapter 48.295, various types of evaluations (psychological, psychiatric, AoDA, parent-infant development, etc.) are ordered by Juvenile Court on both minors and adults but always "in the interest of a minor." Under Chapter 51.20, psychiatric evaluations are required preliminary to civil commitment for cases involving dangerousness to self or others. Under WSS 971.14, the Clinical Assessment Program provides assessment for adult forensic competency when ordered by local courts. – Phone (608) 280-2640

› Voluntary Assessments
AoDA and mental health assessments are sometimes requested by individuals or county agencies to determine need for AoDA treatment and to help develop therapeutic or supervisory plans of care. – Phone (608) 280-2630

› Employee Assistance Provider
Since 1992, the Clinical Assessment Program has been the Employee Assistance Program provider for Dane County employees. – Phone (608) 280-2630

› Central Intake – (608) 280-2710

› New Directions Information Services – (608) 280-2674