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If you’ve violated DOT drug and alcohol rules, you might feel anxious about the cost of your DOT SAP program.
At American River Wellness, we have decades of experience guiding CDL drivers through the DOT SAP process, and we keep our program costs below the national average.
This guide breaks down the average costs of each component in the program, so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- DOT SAP program costs can vary, based on your provider’s location, assessment experience, your requirements, compliance, and other factors.
- The costs involved in a DOT SAP program include your initial SAP evaluation fee, education and treatment costs, follow-up evaluation fee, RTD drug test expense, and the costs that may be associated with your follow-up tests.
- It is important to understand which costs happen at each phase. Your SAP takes you through the initial steps to make you eligible for the return to duty drug test. These costs are covered in different intervals and can vary depending on the situation between the employee and employer. All of the drug testing happens after you are finished with your SAP.
- To keep your costs down, choose a provider like American River Wellness that offers transparent pricing, start the process right away, follow all your SAP’s recommendations carefully, maintain prompt communication, and avoid unnecessary treatment beyond what your SAP formally requires.
What the DOT SAP Program Usually Costs in 2026
While costs vary, the following chart provides a breakdown of how much you might pay at each step of the DOT SAP program:
| SAP Program Step | Average Cost Range |
| Initial Evaluation | $300 to $600 |
| Education/Treatment | $200 to $2,000+ (depending on recommendations) |
| Follow-up Evaluation | $100 to $300 |
| RTD Drug Test | $75-$200 (may be covered by the employer) |
| Follow-Up Drug Tests | $50 to $150 per test – minimum of six in the first year; can be ordered up to five years (must be facilitated by employer, unless an owner operator. Employer may or may not cover the cost.) |
What You’re Actually Paying For
1. Initial SAP Evaluation
After you violate the DOT drug and alcohol rules, your employer must immediately remove you from safety-sensitive duties.
They will provide you with a list of DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs), or you can choose a qualified SAP yourself.
Before you can return to work, you must complete the DOT SAP process, which begins with your initial SAP evaluation.
This initial evaluation can be completed in person or virtually.
The SAP will review your violation, work history, substance use history, and other contributing factors during your SAP evaluation.
The evaluation is what shapes your entire return-to-duty plan, and the costs can vary based on the provider’s experience, credentials, and region.
SAPs in high-cost areas or with heavy demand usually charge toward the top end of this range, while those in rural areas may be less expensive.
Typical Cost: $300 – $600
2. Education or Treatment Requirements
Based on findings from your initial evaluation, SAP will create a treatment plan and provide recommendations that you must complete.
These recommendations will depend on the severity of your violation, your substance abuse history, and other factors, and may include any of the following:
- Drug and alcohol education classes
- Outpatient drug and alcohol counseling
- Group counseling
- Inpatient rehabilitation (when necessary)
To successfully complete the RTD process, you must follow all of SAP’s treatment and education recommendations.
Your requirements could range from online education sessions to outpatient counseling or inpatient rehabilitation.
If the SAP determines you require minimal intervention, you might be required to complete online or in-person educational courses.
These tend to be less expensive than more intensive outpatient counseling or inpatient rehabilitation programs.
Inpatient treatment and outpatient counseling involving multiple sessions can drive your costs up.
A longer-duration treatment program will be more costly than a one-time education class, for instance.
Typical Cost: $200 – $2,000+
3. Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
Once you complete your SAP’s treatment and education requirements, you’ll meet with them again for a follow-up evaluation.
During this evaluation, the SAP will review your progress and confirm that you’ve met all of your requirements.
If they’re satisfied, they will write and submit a report that you’re eligible to take the return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.
Some SAPs bundle the follow-up evaluation cost with the initial evaluation fee, while others bill it as a separate appointment.
Typical Cost: $100 – $300
4. Return-to-Duty (RTD) Drug or Alcohol Test
Once the SAP confirms you’ve completed your requirements, you must pass an RTD test administered by an employer, or a CTPA (FMCSA drivers only).
This is a directly observed test, and a negative result is required before you can return to any safety-sensitive position.
The RTD drug test is a one-time test, but it is a mandatory part of the DOT’s required RTD process.
Typical Cost: $75 – $200
5. Follow-Up Testing After You Return to Work
After the RTD test, the SAP will assign you a follow-up testing schedule.
These are unannounced tests that take place over one to five years, depending on the SAP’s recommendation.
The total follow-up testing cost depends entirely on how many tests the SAP orders.
At a minimum, you must take (and pass) a minimum of six follow-up tests during the first year.
For severe violations or those with extensive substance abuse histories, tests might be ordered for up to five years.
Employers must facilitate the testing plan, and they may or may not require you to pay for these tests.
Typical Cost: $50 – $150 per test
6. Estimated Total Program Cost
When you add these components together, most drivers spend around $950 to $2,000+ on their SAP process.
Cases that require more extensive education or treatment can increase the total to $2,000 or more.
The final amount depends on the provider you choose, how much treatment is required, and how long your follow-up period lasts.
Who Pays for the SAP Program?
Most CDL drivers who’ve violated the DOT drug and alcohol rules must pay for the cost of the DOT SAP program.
Insurance providers don’t cover SAP evaluations.
While some employers do pay, they aren’t required to do so. Most don’t.
Some providers offer payment plans.
If you require intensive inpatient rehabilitation, you might be able to have that component covered by your insurance, depending on your insurance policy.
How to Keep Your Total Costs Down
1. Choose a provider with clear, upfront pricing
When you’re searching for a DOT SAP, choose one that offers transparent pricing. This helps to avoid surprise charges and inflated total costs.
For example, some SAPs advertise a low SAP evaluation fee but then add extra charges later, such as an additional fee for the follow-up evaluation, case management fees, documentation fees, and others.
Transparent prices can help you understand exactly what you’re paying for and avoid unexpected expenses.
If you’re unsure, ask the provider you consider before you move forward.
American River Wellness offers a $450 base rate specifically for the SAP evaluation, which includes the follow-up evaluation, with no hidden administrative fees.
This base rate does not include any recommended education, counseling, or treatment, since those vary by case and are billed separately.
The return-to-duty drug test is not included because it must be ordered by the employer or their third-party administrator instead of by the SAP.
2. Respond quickly to your SAP’s recommendations
Following your evaluation, respond quickly to your SAP’s recommendations.
Delays in starting your program’s requirements create additional time and increase your overall costs.
Completing education or treatment quickly keeps you from stretching the SAP process longer than necessary.
Delays can sometimes increase the number of follow-up tests or extend your monitoring period.
Finishing assignments quickly keeps your total program time (and cost) down.
The sooner the requirements are finished, the faster you reach the follow-up evaluation and RTD test.
American River Wellness provides structured guidance to help you understand each step clearly. This helps to prevent delays that could drive up your costs.
3. Keep communication fast and consistent
Respond immediately to calls and messages, and don’t miss any appointments.
If you do, it can drag out the process and keep you out of work longer.
Delays in scheduling your evaluations or RTD test can lead to more follow-up testing and prolonged case management.
Your provider should also be responsive to keep things moving so costs don’t pile up.
American River Wellness’s fast scheduling and quick communication help keep the process efficient and avoid unnecessary delays.
In many cases, we offer same-day or next-day availability for virtual SAP evaluations.
4. Stick to only the requirements that the SAP formally assigns
Only focus on the education and treatment that your SAP puts in your written plan.
Some providers over-recommend expensive treatment that goes beyond what the DOT requires.
If something in your plan seems excessive, ask questions about it.
American River Wellness only recommends what DOT requires and never upsells unnecessary programs, helping drivers avoid inflated treatment costs.
5. Use payment plan options to reduce upfront strain
While a payment plan won’t lower your total cost, it can help you start the RTD process sooner and avoid delays.
Payment plans help drivers begin the SAP process immediately instead of waiting to save up, helping you avoid an extended time out of work.
American River Wellness offers flexible payment plans through Afterpay, allowing drivers to start for as little as $112.
Get Started Today With American River Wellness
When you’ve violated the DOT drug and alcohol rules, it’s important to start the RTD process as soon as possible to return to work faster.
Our DOT-qualified SAP at American River Wellness offers flexible payment plans to make starting your program more affordable.
Contact us now to schedule your SAP evaluation and get back on the road fast: (833) 436-8727.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be interpreted as legal counsel or guidance.
FAQ
Yes, you’re allowed to choose a DOT-qualified SAP yourself – you won’t be assigned one.
Your employer must provide you with a list of SAPs. You can choose one from the list or search for one online.
The provider you choose must be a DOT-qualified SAP instead of just any substance abuse counselor.
Make sure your SAP has the proper credentials.
The length of your SAP program will depend on several factors, including:
– Your violation’s severity – If this is your first violation, it will likely have fewer requirements than a second or subsequent drug or alcohol violation. Similarly, a violation that involved an accident will likely require more intensive treatment than one that didn’t.
– How quickly you schedule – The sooner you start the process by completing your initial evaluation, the better. If you instead wait to save up money before you schedule your initial SAP, the process will take longer. Investigate payment plans to get started faster.
– Your compliance – If you immediately start your requirements, keep all appointments, and participate in your treatment and education, you’ll finish faster than if you skip appointments or fail to follow through.
– Your SAP’s recommendations – Your requirements will depend on the SAP’s findings during your evaluation. Each SAP tailors your plan and recommendations based on the contributing factors and their assessment expertise. Treatment can range from online education to intensive inpatient rehabilitation, significantly impacting the timeline.
– Follow-up testing: You must take at least six follow-up tests in the first 12 months after you return to work. However, more severe violations or program non-compliance could result in follow-up testing for up to five years.
You can expect your program to last at least 12 months because of the required follow-up tests.
However, if you need intensive inpatient rehabilitation or have a longer follow-up testing requirement, it can last as long as five years.
Choose a DOT-qualified SAP with experience in safety-sensitive industries, transparent pricing, and a supportive, non-judgmental approach.
Choose a provider that makes the process accessible, including offering virtual evaluations.
For reliable DOT SAP services, consider American River Wellness, a qualified provider with decades of experience guiding CDL drivers through the DOT SAP process that offers nationwide virtual SAP evaluations.
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