Lynchburg SAP Testing

Substance Abuse Professionals – Thriveworks in Lynchburg

If you are in need of a SAP evaluation in Lynchburg, Virginia, contact:

Thriveworks Counseling
1000 Jefferson St., Suite 1B
Lynchburg, Va. 24504
Tel: (434) 528-3263

Thriveworks in Lynchburg, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, are the professionals who evaluate employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and make recommendations concerning the education, treatment, follow-up testing and aftercare of the individual. The SAP monitors the process.

If you have failed a random drug test or one that followed an accident that occurred on the job, and your position falls under the guidelines of the U.S. DOT, it is necessary for you to see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). The SAPs at Thriveworks in Lynchburg are certified, trained and have the knowledge to be in the role of SAP. In accordance with the guidelines of the DOT, SAPs are the professionals who:

  • Make a face-to-face clinical assessment and evaluation to determine what assistance is needed by the employee to resolve problems associated with alcohol and/or drug use.
  • Refer the employee to an appropriate education and/or treatment program.
  • Conduct a face-to-face, follow-up evaluation to determine if the employee has actively participated in the education and/or treatment program and has demonstrated successful compliance with the initial assessment and evaluation recommendations.
  • Provide the Designated Employer Representative with a follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing plan for the employee.
  • Provide the employee and employer with recommendations for continuing education and/or treatment.

A SAP represents the major decision point (and, in some cases, the only decision point) an employer may have in choosing whether or not to place an employee behind the steering wheel of a school bus, in the cockpit of a plane, at the helm of an oil tanker, at the throttle of a train, in the engineer compartment of a subway car or at the emergency control valves of a natural gas pipeline, according to the U.S. DOT.

What SAPs Do Not Do

  • It is important to note that a SAP is not an advocate for the employer or the employee. The function of a SAP is to protect the public interest in safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending the appropriate education/treatment, follow-up tests and aftercare.
  • The SAP does not provide counseling for the employee.
  • SAPs do not make a “fitness for duty” determination as part of the re-evaluation (unless required to do so under an applicable DOT agency regulation). The employer (the DOT) decides whether the employee should be placed back to work in a safety-sensitive position.

In short, the SAP is the person who verifies if the employee has successfully complied with his initial recommendation.

Thriveworks SAPs

At Thriveworks in Lynchburg, the SAPs are professionally licensed and knowledgeable of the DOT guidelines. They have the following:

  • Clinical experience in the diagnosis of substance abuse-related disorders.
  • An understanding of how the SAP role relates to the responsibilities employers have for ensuring the safety of the traveling public.
  • Meet all SAP standards and training requirements.
  • Qualifications and credentials to fill the role of SAP.
  • Regularly attend continuing education activities.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of reporting that the employee has–or has not–complied with the SAP’s recommendation.
  • A passing score on the examination for the role of SAP.
  • An understanding of the U.S. DOT’s expanded and revised drug use and alcohol misuse prevention rules for the commercial transportation industries.
  • The background and reasoning of the DOT’s drug and alcohol testing program.
  • Knowledge of the DOT’s drug and alcohol testing rules.
  • Knowledge of the DOT’s drug testing requirements, such as laboratory testing and collections.
  • Understanding the role of the SAP in the initial employee evaluation, referrals for education and/or treatment, the follow-up evaluation, continuing treatment recommendation and the follow-up testing plan.
  • Knowledge of reporting and record-keeping requirements.

Who is qualified to be a SAP?

Credentials are mandatory for SAPs. In order to fill this vital role, individuals must possess one of the following credentials.

  • Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy).
  • Licensed or certified social worker.
  • Licensed or certified psychologist.
  • Licensed or certified employee assistance professional.
  • State-licensed marriage and family therapist.
  • A drug and alcohol counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission; or by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse; or by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates/Master Addictions Counselor.

The Brain and Drugs

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most drugs affect the brain’s “reward circuit” by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. The overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable “high” that can lead people to take drugs repeatedly.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine by making less of it and/or reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when they first started taking the drug. This is known as tolerance. The person may take more of the drug and try to get the same dopamine high. It can also cause them to get less pleasure from the things they used to enjoy, such as social activities.

Long-term use of drugs also causes changes in other brain chemicals and circuits, which affect:

  • Learning
  • Judgment
  • Decision-making
  • Stress
  • Memory
  • Behavior

Even though people are aware of these harmful outcomes, many individuals continue to use drugs—which is the nature of addiction.
No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk of addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.

How Soon Can I Get an Appointment With the SAP?

Thriveworks SAPs typically schedule initial evaluations within five business days. In addition, the SAP’s recommendation about appropriate education and/or treatment program is dependent on your specific needs, which includes the presence of and, if identified, severity of your drug or alcohol problem. The SAP will identify the level of drug and/or alcohol use in order to make the recommendation about education and/or treatment.

Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 68 5 1 68 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Jenifer Suri

★★★★★
Jenifer Suri is an energetic, lively woman who felt like a confidant during our very first meet up. She was engaging and listened well!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Counseling

★★★★★
Jeanie has been working with me for over 5 months on developing Effective strategies and coping methods to better manage my anxiety and depression. She has been wonderful throughout this whole process and I definitely recommend her for a counselor!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Kim Plourde

★★★★★
I came in knowing I wanted to strengthen my mental wellness but previous encounters with therapists hasn’t proven helpful. I met with Kim Plourde and it changed my perspective. She is easy to talk to, nonjudgmental and gives clear and easy to understand feedback that’s relative to the issue at hand. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking someone to talk with about their mental well being.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Thankful

★★★★★
So thankful that Thriveworks is so responsive and available. Our family went through a very devastating situation while visiting Lynchburg and I was agonizing on how to go forward. Crisis never happens at a convenient time but we were quickly able to get a family counseling meeting with a very respectful and skilled therapist, Regina. In one visit alone, Regina was able to help us see clearly the next steps needed for healthy family dynamics, and although I wish I could bring her back home with me, perhaps our other family members will take advantage of this great blessing available. Thanking God for your help.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Very Pleased with Kimberly Plourde

★★★★★
Kimberly was very helpful at a time when my husband and I experienced a terrible crisis. She helped me identify goals and was patient while I transitioned from the shock of the crisis to a point of being able to listen to her useful and practical ideas of how to move forward. She helped me realize the tendency to blame others and helped me to take responsibility for how I contribute to my own discontent. I would highly recommend Kimberly, especially to someone who is ready to make changes in their life.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great first session

★★★★☆
Our son had been dreading going to counseling but enjoyed his first session so much he asked to come back every week. I was told we would get our counselor’s email address though, which we don’t have yet, but we plan to ask about this week. For the premium price, I’d like to be able to take advantage of that.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great atmosphere

★★★★★
Great atmosphere, great customer service and very professional.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Thriveworks in LYH has been amazing!

★★★★★
Thriveworks in LYH has been amazing! Taylor is awesome.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Everything has been great.

★★★★★
Everything has been great. Scheduling appointments is very easy through the site.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great atmosphere

★★★★★
Great atmosphere, and Mary McNeil has been a big help 😁
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Thriveworks has been so professional and easy to work with

★★★★★
Thriveworks has been so professional and easy to work with. Appointments are easy to schedule, insurance is billed promptly, and I was able to get in with a counselor almost immediately. More importantly, my counselor is caring, helpful, and made me feel at ease from the start. I cannot recommend Thriveworks Lynchburg highly enough.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Quinn Hall is amazing

★★★★★
Amazing. Look forward to every session. Quinn Hall is amazing. Great listener and very understanding. In the few weeks I’ve gone I feel so much better than I did before.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Awesome job!!

★★★★★
Awesome job!!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Seems good so far.

★★★★★
Seems good so far. Brian is a good counselor. Very convinient location and hours
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

My assigned counselors are kind and understanding.

★★★★☆
My assigned counselors are kind and understanding. They are great at what they do! So far, I enjoy my sessions every week with them.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great job

★★★★★
Great job
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I love the atmosphere

★★★★★
I love the atmosphere and we had a great first experience.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

My counselor was thoughtful

★★★★★
My counselor was thoughtful caring and focused on our Father’s plan for our lives.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Wonderful environment and wonderful people!

★★★★★
Wonderful environment and wonderful people! Ready for my next appointment. Regina was very supportive and warm hearted!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I’ve had only two visits so far and my counselor seems caring and astute.

★★★★★
I’ve had only two visits so far and my counselor seems caring and astute.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I like Taylor

★★★★★
I like Taylor and the whole process has been pretty easy and I love the homey feel of the offices in Lynchburg!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Outstanding Commitment!

★★★★★
Regina is such a committed person to her clients! She's empathetic, patient, and knowledgeable. She makes you feel comfortable. I believe that everything will work out for my life!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Regina is a great counselor

★★★★★
Regina is an awesome counselor. She is very knowledgeable and has a lot of compassion for her clients. She is patient and takes the time to listen and understand. Regina is especially effective in faith based counseling and very respectful of others' personal views. I especially appreciate her ability to integrate mental and emotional concerns with Christian values.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Bryan is awesome!

★★★★★
Bryan is awesome! Definitely looking forward to coming back and speaking with him more!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I had a lovely session with Erika.

★★★★★
I had a lovely session with Erika. She was very thorough and thoughtful. Thanks!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Excellent session.

★★★★★
Excellent session. My 10 year old was apprehensive but Melissa put him completely at ease.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

So far this has been a great experience.

★★★★★
So far this has been a great experience. I look forward to working with Thriveworks!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

A very calm and serene enviroment

★★★★★
At my first appointment I remember that the atmosphere was very calming and serene, I felt within minutes of my first session with Ms. Regina that it was a good match. I could tell that she was very attentive to what I was saying, she challenged my thought process and explained things to me in a non condescending way. I feel that with her help I am finally able to start a healthy and safe healing process.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Excellent support

★★★★★
Regina provides excellent support. She has a welcoming and caring attitude, and displays a passion for helping others heal. She is very knowledgeable and is consistently providing information about other supports and resources outside of counseling. Her empathy and non judgemental attitude makes her very easy to talk to.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Lobby was clean and calm.

★★★★★
Lobby was clean and calm. Therapist was prompt, attentive and friendly. We will be coming back for more.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Our first visit was very enjoyable.

★★★★★
Our first visit was very enjoyable. Amir was very easy to talk to and was attentive to our story. We felt very comfortable and welcome. Would certainly recommend Thriveworks to a friend. Thanks!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I feel Erica will be a good person to deal with our family.

★★★★★
I feel Erica will be a good person to deal with our family.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Awesome experience

★★★★★
Awesome experience
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Horrible experience

★☆☆☆☆
We will never go to this place!!! I had made an appointment for my son, but he got really sick which is not something you can plan ahead. I called to try and re-schedule for the following week and was told I would be charged 99$ because I didn’t call 48 hours in advance. I explained that my son was sick and they were extremely rude. That’s okay we will go somewhere else! I would never recommend them to anyone!!!!!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Too early to tell but so far, so good.

★★★★☆
Too early to tell but so far, so good. I hope the Counselor can stay neutral and provide good advice and suggestions for both my wife and I to work on.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

The staff was very relatable

★★★★★
The staff was very relatable. The office was beautiful. I loved the cat.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Excellent staff. Very good experience.

★★★★★
Excellent staff. Very good experience.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I loved my first meeting with Erika today.

★★★★★
I loved my first meeting with Erika today. She took care of all of our questions and concerns, and genuinely listened. I am so happy we have found this place because I think it is going to be a great place to grow and learn.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

So far so good!

★★★★★
So far so good! I like that someone is always availible by phone and that the hours of operation are extensive. I think that the up front cost, and cancelation fee is a bit steep. I also think 24 hour cancelation would be better verses 48 as there seems to be a decent amount of clients waiting to be seen on short notice anyways. My daugher connected well with her counselor. The counselor was timely and attentive and very helpful so far. I was very pleased.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Like the availability

★★★★★
Like the availability
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

It was easy

★★★★★
It was easy and helped a lot!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Relaxed atmosphere was nice.

★★★★☆
Relaxed atmosphere was nice. Erika was very warm and inviting.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Brian is very personable

★★★★★
Brian is very personable and easy to speak to. He made me feel very at ease and was enjoyable to talk with. I look forward to more sessions with him.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I felt comfortable and relaxed with Amir.

★★★★☆
I felt comfortable and relaxed with Amir. It helped when he have his background about himself and his work. Can’t wait to see how it goes!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Bryan was excellent.

★★★★★
Bryan was excellent. He was unbiased in our couples counseling session and encouraged open and honest communication.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Bonnie was wonderful

★★★★★
Bonnie was wonderful, extremely personable!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

5+ Star rating.

★★★★★
5+ Star rating. Erika is the best. I have know her for at least 10 years! We have followed her with prior employers and now Thriveworks for my grandson. I know Erika’s success and knowledge. A wonderful counselor and most of all....person. She has made such a difference for our family. Thanks Thrivevorks and thanks Erika!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

I feel as though I am already on the path

★★★★★
I feel as though I am already on the path to recovery after just one appointment. I cannot wait to continue my journey with thriveworks!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

It was a difficult session but very necessary.

★★★★★
It was a difficult session but very necessary. My husband and I do not want to talk about our issues but we NEED to. The counselor was helpful in stepping in when necessary. This is just our first session. We still have a lot to cover.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great Experience!

★★★★★
Ryan has been an amazing counselor to work with! He is professional, thorough, and takes the time to make sure I understand the details of counseling and an comfortable while he is meeting with my child. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a great counselor in Lynchburg!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Not true

★☆☆☆☆
The website says you'll never get an answering machine. I always get an answering machine especially on the weekends. They don't call back. Email says they'll respond in a couple of hours. Not on a weekend. You won't hear from them. Our therapist, Taylor, was so hard to get a hold of when we really needed her. She then said she couldn't be our counselor in the future because of her schedule. Made my daughter feel abandoned. Just what she needed. I am sure there are good counselors there, but so far our experience has not bern good.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir Cotton – Commendation

★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Amir for a number of years at Horizon Behavior Health. I also had the opportunity of supervising Amir during his internship and practicum for his Masters degree. Amir has proven himself as a professional and an affable individual with so many positive qualities. He has great passion for the clients he serves and clients can always be guaranteed that Amir will provide for them best practice driven service and attitude. Amir is also a great asset to any organization as he is a great team player and will go out of his way to meet team needs when called upon.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Clinicain

★★★★★
Amir Cotton is one of the most effective therapist I know. He works hard to help his client see what is the best for them. He is thorough in his work with his clients. He is efficient and He does the best for each of his clients. Amir will search the best therapy for not only an individual, but also families and couples. Amir values his work. He is also determined to help individuals, couples and families get to an effective working relationship separately together.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir Cotton

★★★★★
Amir Cotton was a wonderful asset to our team. He has the ability to gain rapport with individuals we serve, both adults and children. He has awesome clinical skills and passion for the work he does.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir Cotton is Great

★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of supervising Amir for at least 3 years and had the privilege of watching him work with many individuals who needed emergency services. During this time, Amir counseled many individuals whom were in crisis and at risk for hospitalization due to suicidal and homicidal behaviors. He has assisted these individuals with receiving help in order for the them to continue to lead healthier lives. I recommend Amir because he is exceptionally competent, compassionate and caring with each individual making sure he or she receives excellent care .
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir Cotton

★★★★★
Never have I encountered such a passionate professional that juxtaposes clinical expertise with a defined and pronounced degree of joviality and supreme regard for his clients as Amir Cotton. His respect for the client's personal therapeutic expedition and the distinctive sensitivity to his role as a guide is truly noteworthy. Anyone battling through the nadir of life's challenges would be well kept in his capable hands.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir is Awesome

★★★★★
Amir is one of the greatest counselors I have had the privilege of knowing. I have known Amir for over four years and during this time he was working on his training to become a great counselor. He worked with individuals who had substance abuse issues, anxiety issues, depression issues and other issues that would hinder them from becoming a productive member in society. I have seen Amir make a difference in the lives of individual's who struggle with life.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Amir Cotton

★★★★★
I have known Amir for at least 5 years. I was his supervisor during his residency for LPC. He possessed great qualities of a counselor then and they have only grown over the years. He is skilled at working with individuals from all walks of life. He is empathetic, caring, genuine, and insightful.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Caring Clinician

★★★★★
I worked with Amir Cotton as an intern and resident and his mentorship and guidance was invaluable to me. He is knowledgeable, caring, compassionate and a man of strong character. I recommend him to any one taking the journey through counseling as he is talented and a leader in his field.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Top notch

★★★★★
I highly recommend Melissa McGinness. I've struggled with issues for years and it seems that in no time I was redirected to a better life. Thank you Melissa.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Counselor

★★★★★
I went to my first appointment yesterday at the Lynchburg location. I saw Amir Cotton he seems like a very good counselor. I am looking forward to my next visit. I would strongly recommend people go to ThriveWorks. The staff seems like a great group of people.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Quinn

★★★★★
As a colleague of Quinn Hall, I highly recommend her if you desire an open minded, ethical and effective counselor. Her warmth and authenticity are refreshing!
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

A Guiding Light

★★★★★
I highly recommend Bonnie Curran as a counselor. When I came to her, my life and my emotions were out of control, and I was unsure how to regain what I had lost. Bonnie worked with me to help me finally face a trauma from when I was a child. She also helped me identify my addiction to work and to affirmation. Yet what I appreciated the most about Bonnie was that in addition to identifying the sources of my struggles, she also helped me through the steps necessary to overcome them. Now, a year later, I am a different person. And I am thankful for Bonnie's guidance to get me to this point.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Bonnie

★★★★★
Bonnie is an incredible counselor who exponentially helped me deal and manage with anxiety and panic attacks. She helped me to understand ways to cope with and deal with these attacks which were affecting my job and quality of life. I felt like I was speaking to a friend during our sessions and loved the friendliness and professional way she handled me as a client. Now, I have freedom back in my life and am able to enjoy daily activities again.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Therapist Review

★★★★☆
I would like to recommend Melissa McGinness,my experience with her has been very positive. She is a very good listener and effective collaborator in solving personal problems.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Gifted Counselor

★★★★★
Welcoming and able to establish the therapeutic relationship quickly. She is able to filter through situations and guide in the process of sorting through life situations. As another life situation arises I would return to Melissa McGinness.
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Awesome Experience

★★★★★
I had such a fantastic experience here. The counselors and therapists are so kind and supportive in working to fit my needs and help me with my issues. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else! Recommend 100%
Thriveworks Counseling Lynchburg

Great Counselor

★★★★★
Really good experience. The office is really nice. I've been to other counseling practices in town and this is a great place with a wonderful team!
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 1000 Jefferson St Suite 1B,
    Lynchburg, VA 24504

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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