Addiction Assessments

Overview

Substance use disorders are among the most clinically complex and legally contested conditions in medico-legal practice. Our addiction assessments provide a rigorous, evidence-based evaluation of substance use history, current diagnostic status, functional impact, causation, and capacity for work — informed by current DSM-5-TR criteria and occupational psychiatry expertise.

Every report is prepared by Dr. Saligheh — a Canadian-trained psychiatrist with specialized expertise in occupational, medico-legal psychiatry, and addiction medicine and is grounded in current diagnostic standards, evidence-based practice, and a clear understanding of the medico-legal context.

Objective, evidence-based clinical opinion
Clear, well-structured reports tailored to legal standards
Timely turnaround without compromising quality
Professional communication with all referring parties
Available for expert testimony and addenda as required

Who We Serve

Long-term disability insurers
Workers' Compensation Boards
Plaintiff and defence legal counsel
Employers and occupational health services
Regulatory bodies and professional colleges
Government and adjudicative agencies

Scope of Assessment

What We Evaluate

Substance Use History

A thorough chronological review of all substances used, patterns of use, prior treatment episodes, periods of remission, and relapse history, contextualized within the individual's life circumstances and occupational history.

DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Assessment

Formal evaluation of substance use disorder criteria across relevant substance classes, including severity specifiers (mild, moderate, severe) and assessment of current remission status.

Causation & Work-Relatedness

Analysis of whether occupational exposures, traumatic events, or work-related stressors materially contributed to the development or exacerbation of a substance use disorder, including an examination of pre-existing vulnerabilities.

Functional Impairment

Evaluation of how the substance use disorder — and any co-occurring psychiatric conditions — impairs the individual's ability to perform occupational duties, sustain safe work practices, and maintain interpersonal relationships.

Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions

Assessment of comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, PTSD, anxiety) that frequently accompany substance use disorders, with analysis of the primacy and interrelationship of diagnoses.

Prognosis & Treatment Recommendations

A clinically grounded prognosis including expected recovery trajectory, barriers to treatment engagement, and specific recommendations for evidence-based addiction treatment and support.

Our Process

How It Works

Our assessment process is designed to be thorough, efficient, and responsive to the needs of referring organizations. We maintain clear communication throughout and deliver reports within agreed timelines.

01

File & Record Review

All available records are reviewed prior to assessment, including medical history, prior psychiatric assessments, treatment records, pharmacy records, and any relevant occupational or legal documentation.

02

Comprehensive Clinical Interview

A detailed interview is conducted covering substance use history, psychiatric history, psychosocial background, occupational history, and current functional status, typically lasting 2–3 hours.

03

Structured Instruments

Where clinically indicated, validated addiction screening and assessment tools (e.g., AUDIT, DAST-10, ASI) and symptom validity measures are incorporated to supplement clinical data.

04

Medico-Legal Report

A comprehensive, structured report is prepared addressing the referral questions, providing a clear diagnostic formulation, causation opinion, functional assessment, and prognosis with treatment recommendations.

About Your Assessor

Dr. Saligheh, MD

Canadian-trained psychiatrist with specialized expertise in occupational and medico-legal psychiatry. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) and Associate of the Canadian Board of Occupational Medicine (ACBOM).

Experience includes work with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Workers' Compensation Board, with expertise in complex workplace psychiatric injuries, disability, and return-to-work capacity.

Explore More

Addiction Assessments