Greater Boston Psychiatric Services conducts RMV-required substance abuse evaluations with a risk of recidivism assessment for adults throughout Greater Boston — the dense, fast-moving core of the state, from the city itself out through Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, and the Route 128 suburbs. The evaluation is completed entirely by telehealth and reported directly to the RMV, regardless of which town in the region you're in.
Towns We Serve in Greater Boston
Our telehealth RMV evaluation services are available to adults located in Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Framingham, Malden, Waltham, Revere, Medford, Everett, Arlington, Billerica, Marlborough, Woburn, Chelsea, Natick, Chelmsford, Watertown, Lexington, Dracut, and Tewksbury, and other communities throughout Greater Boston.
What This Evaluation Covers
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles requires a substance abuse evaluation with a risk of recidivism assessment in connection with certain OUI/DUI cases, or after an Immediate Threat determination. The evaluation reviews alcohol or substance use history, prior history, and any relevant mental health conditions, consistent with what the RMV requires for its review.
How the Process Works
Schedule your appointment. Complete our registration form online; appointments are available by telehealth to any adult located in Massachusetts.
Complete the evaluation by video. A clinician conducts the full evaluation over a secure video appointment — no office visit is required.
We report findings directly to the RMV. Results are submitted directly rather than routed through you.
You use the completed evaluation as part of your RMV requirements. Depending on your case, the RMV or a court may have additional requirements beyond this evaluation.
What the Evaluation Assesses
A thorough substance abuse evaluation with risk of recidivism assessment typically covers:
Substance use history, including patterns, frequency, and duration
Prior treatment history and any previous recovery efforts
Risk factors relevant to the likelihood of a repeat offense
Broader psychosocial and mental health screening
Any factors specifically relevant to safe driving
How to Prepare
Have your RMV hearing notice or correspondence on hand, along with any prior evaluation or treatment records if you have them. Be ready to speak candidly about your history — the evaluation is only as useful as the information it's based on. You'll need a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera for your video appointment.
Because our clinical team includes multiple board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists rather than a single provider, we're often able to offer earlier appointment availability than a practice that depends on one clinician's schedule.
After Your Evaluation
Once your appointment is complete, we submit the finished evaluation directly to the RMV — you won't need to forward anything yourself. Processing time on the RMV's end is outside our control, so we'd recommend scheduling with enough runway before any hearing or deadline date.
Pricing
Fees for this evaluation generally fall in the $550–$900 range, depending on two things: whether you need one evaluation or two (a bundled rate applies when both are required), and whether you need standard or expedited turnaround ahead of an upcoming hearing date. This evaluation is self-pay only — see the Payment section below for details. Contact us directly for your exact quote once we know which evaluation(s) and timeline apply to your situation.
Payment
This evaluation is self-pay only. We are not able to bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid for this service. Payment is collected at the time of your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who requires this evaluation for someone in Greater Boston?
The Massachusetts RMV requires a substance abuse evaluation with a risk of recidivism assessment after certain OUI/DUI cases or an Immediate Threat determination. Your hearing notice or RMV correspondence will specify whether this evaluation is one of your requirements.
Is the evaluation done over video, and is that accepted by the RMV?
Yes, the evaluation is conducted by secure telehealth video. The clinical content and reporting are the same as an in-person evaluation — what changes is only how you attend.
What happens to the results?
Findings are reported directly to the RMV following the evaluation. We do not send results to you first to forward on your own.
Does completing this evaluation guarantee my license will be reinstated?
No single evaluation guarantees an outcome — the RMV and, in some cases, a court may have additional requirements specific to your case (such as a medical review or additional documentation). This evaluation addresses one specific requirement in that process.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Availability varies, but because this evaluation is fully virtual and our team includes multiple clinicians, we're often able to schedule appointments faster than an office that requires an in-person visit with a single provider.
What if I need this evaluation quickly, before an upcoming hearing?
Expedited scheduling is available for an additional fee. Let us know your hearing date when you contact us so we can prioritize accordingly.
Do I need both a substance abuse evaluation and a psychiatric evaluation?
Some RMV cases require only one; others require both. Check your specific RMV notice, or contact us and we can help confirm before you schedule — a bundled rate applies if you need both.
Will the evaluation include treatment recommendations?
If clinically appropriate, the evaluation may note recommendations alongside its findings, consistent with what the RMV's review process expects.
What if I've moved out of Massachusetts since my case began?
As long as you're physically located in Massachusetts at the time of your appointment, we can complete the evaluation. If you've relocated permanently, contact us to confirm eligibility.
Is what I share during the evaluation confidential?
Your evaluation is handled under the same clinical confidentiality standards as any other appointment, with the specific exception of the findings we're required to report to the RMV as part of this process.