DOT SAP alcohol, drug abuse assessments expert provider

For Release after Nov. 25, 2011Fred Klopfer, Ph.D.
Professional Building, 224 West CoalAvenue
Gallup, New Mexico 87301
505-863-4046www.galluptherapy.com

(This is an important announcement for those who need qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) under DOT regulations... DOT SAP services)

Starting this January, I am qualified to assist with alcohol and drug abuse assessments to meet the Federal Department of Transportation requirements. For safety-sensitive positions, make sure you have an EXPERT provider.

Employers

Do you need an experienced and qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) under DOT regulations to conduct supervisor training or to conduct assessments for CDL holders or other safety-sensitive employees?

The Department of Transportation continues to strictly enforce the regulations for DOT safety-sensitive employees. In January, 2004, criteria increased for eligible SAP providers. This has resulted in fewer substance abuse specialists who are now qualified to conduct the required assessments and return to duty evaluations. All DOT violations must result in removal from safety-sensitive duties, referral to a qualified SAP, assessment and referral to a formal education or treatment program, and satisfactory progress or completion of this program before evaluation for possible return to safety-sensitive duties.

These cases are complex, and we will always need direct referral and communication from the DOT employer, even if the employee was terminated and will pay for their own SAP and treatment services. Please call for further information.  

Contact my office at 505-863-4046

Employees

For those who have violated DOT alcohol or drug regulations: If you were found in violation of the DOT alcohol and drug regulations, even if you were terminated from one employer, you need Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services.

In order to be returned to safety-sensitive duties or to reapply for any future DOT regulated positions, you must provide your employer or future potential employers with documentation that you successfully completed the DOT Substance Abuse Professional assessment, the recommended education or treatment program, and a return evaluation.

The DOT regulations require that we also refer you to an education or treatment program. Completing the SAP recommendations typically requires up to 2-3 months of time to attend an approved education or treatment program, and a significant financial investment in your recovery. Most programs will be on an outpatient basis with evening meetings to allow you to do other non-safety-sensitive work to stabilize your finances.

If you are responsible to pay for your own SAP services, my office  can accept direct payment from you only in the form of a money order in advance of each evaluation meeting. If you want to regain the ability to work in DOT, CDL, or other safety-sensitive positions, and are serious about total abstinence, you may contact me directly for more information on SAP services and costs. 

Thank you -- FJK

Contact my office at 505-863-4046

For Release after Nov. 25, 2011
Fred Klopfer, Ph.D.
Professional Building, 224 West Coal Avenue
Gallup, New Mexico 87301
505-863-4046
www.galluptherapy.com

Special Q&A Program Focuses on Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

A trusted employee comes to work in a highly agitated mood. He or she gets into arguments with co-workers, and today’s behavior is unique.

As this person’s supervisor or boss, you realize the problem might escalate if you do not intervene; the workplace could become unsafe. So what should you do?

Gallup and regional employers will have a unique opportunity to spend time with “someone you can talk to” about such mental health issues in the workplace during a free program set from noon until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, taking place in the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce board room.

The “someone” is Fred Klopfer, a licensed psychologist and a Chamber member, who is set to open a private psychology practice in downtown Gallup on November 26. Both a social and a clinical psychologist, Klopfer has spent over 35 years treating adults and children as well as managing social workers and psychologists in various treatment centers and agencies, most recently in Iowa, before moving to New Mexico.

“The floor will be open for questions on mental health in the workplace, and I hope to be challenged with a variety of issues – perhaps from addictions and bullying to workplace violence,” Klopfer said.

Today’s employers are often faced with mental health problems to solve ranging from how to work with agitated employees to recognizing when an employee is deeply depressed, and perhaps suicidal. Other times, they must deal with employees who have addictions or may be going through a divorce or other life-changing event.

“With budget cuts and rising cost of health insurance, those who are affected by mental illness are often not able to afford – or even find—the mental care they need. This becomes a problem for employers who need to keep their employees healthy and functioning, and who must ensure a safe workplace for all,” Klopfer said.

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