FAQ's

1. What services does AMCI offer?

AMCI offers a comprehensive assessment for substance abuse problems, and a referral for outpatient treatment. A licensed counselor meets with the individual and asks questions about the person's patterns of use with drugs and alcohol, problems that have been created because of their substance use, and questions about their family, employment, and social support. After the substance abuse assessment, if the person is qualified, the counselor then refers them to a community treatment provider with a voucher that pays for counseling.

2. Do I get to choose which counselor I see?

Based upon the results of the assessment the AMCI counselor will provide you with the names of two to three possible treatment providers from which you may choose. All treatment providers are contracted with the City of Albuquerque.

3. How long does a substance abuse assessment take?

Plan on being at AMCI for two hours. It can take up to 30 minutes to complete paperwork before you see a counselor, and the actual assessment can take up to 1.5 hours.

4. May I bring other family members or friends with me?

Your family member is welcomed to come with you but because the assessment is confidential we ask that they remain in the waiting room until you're finished with your appointment.

5. What about bringing my small children?

Unfortunately children are not allowed in the assessment appointment, nor are they allowed to wait in the waiting room. Please make arrangements for day care during your appointment.

6. How much counseling does the voucher pay for?

Depending upon the seriousness of your substance abuse problems the voucher may pay for educational sessions, individual counseling, group counseling, couples counseling, and other counseling services. Generally the voucher will support counseling services for several months and up to one year.

7. What if I relapse? Can I come back to AMCI for another voucher?

Yes. A counseling voucher is active for one year. Once that year has passed you may return to AMCI for another assessment, referral, and voucher.

8. Are adolescents eligible for assessments and vouchers?

YES! We welcome teens at AMCI. To make the most of the assessment and referral process we ask that parents come with their teen and participate in their own assessment.

9. Do I have to make an appointment or can I just walk into the office to be seen?

Please call 272-9033 M - Th at 8:30am to be screened for eligibility. If eligible, you will be scheduled for an appointment. We do not take walk-ins at this time.

10. How quickly can I be seen?

Generally speaking AMCI can see a client within one to three days of their screening. Treatment providers can also see clients soon after their assessment - sometimes on the same day!

11. Do you report the assessment results to my probation officer or legal representative?

You must provide AMCI with a Release of Information for us to contact your P.O. We do notify probation officers of your attendance at AMCI (with a release), but we do not provide them any assessment information unless they specifically request it.

Send an email to Justin Robbs for questions about this web site.