Failed a DOT test? Here's the road back to work.
SAPTX has guided workers through the federal SAP process for over 25 years. Clayton Sponhaltz, LCDC, NCAC I, is licensed, plainspoken and fair to you, without cutting corners on public safety.
- 25+ years doing SAP work
- 91 Google reviews
- LCDC Texas licensed
Where are you right now?
Pick one to see what happens next.
I don't know what a SAP is
A Substance Abuse Professional is the counselor DOT requires you to see after a failed or refused drug or alcohol test. You can't go back to safety-sensitive work until a SAP says you've done what's required.
Next: Call Clayton. He'll explain your options in plain English.
Request a call from ClaytonI need to choose a SAP
Your employer must give you a list of DOT-qualified SAPs. Before you pick one, check their license and get the full price. CDL drivers then designate their SAP in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Next: Book your initial evaluation with Clayton.
Request a call from ClaytonI'm in treatment or education
Keep going. Clayton stays in touch with your provider through case management, so he'll know when you're close.
Next: Let Clayton know when you're nearly done.
Request a call from ClaytonI'm finishing my program
Your follow-up evaluation is next. If Clayton finds you've complied, he sends documentation to your employer and the Clearinghouse, and you can take your return-to-duty test.
Next: Schedule your follow-up evaluation.
Request a call from ClaytonNot a DOT test? Clayton also does DWI and non-DOT evaluations.
Court-ordered, employer-ordered and non-DOT substance abuse evaluations, including after a failed DISA drug test, with your report sent where it needs to go.
New to this? Start here.
If you work a safety-sensitive DOT job and failed or refused a drug or alcohol test, federal rules (49 CFR Part 40) say you must see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before you can go back to that work. The SAP evaluates you, recommends education or treatment, and tells your employer when you've completed it.
How it works
The road back, in 6 stops
- 1
Call Clayton & get set up
Clayton answers your questions and books your evaluation. CDL drivers: he'll help you designate him as your SAP in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- 2
Initial evaluation
Face-to-face, in person or on live video. An honest conversation, no judgment.
- 3
Recommendation & referral
A written recommendation and referral for education and/or treatment, made for you, not copied from the last person.
- 4
Do the work
Complete the program. Clayton handles case management and stays in touch with your provider.
- 5
Follow-up evaluation
Clayton confirms you complied and sends documentation to your employer, and to the Clearinghouse if you hold a CDL.
- 6
Back on the road
Pass a return-to-duty test. Clayton sets your follow-up testing plan with your employer: at least 6 unannounced tests in the first 12 months.
5 things to check before you pay any SAP
The SAP field has scammers. Use this list on anyone, including us.
- 1 Look up their license on the state board.
- 2 Make sure they're licensed in the state where you live.
- 3 Talk to a real person before you pay anything.
- 4 Walk away from anyone who guarantees a finish date before evaluating you.
- 5 Get the full price, and what it includes, up front.
Pricing
One price. No surprises.
Full return-to-duty process
$420
- Initial evaluation
- Written recommendation and referral for treatment or education
- Case management
- Follow-up evaluation
- Follow-up testing plan
- Documentation to your employer and the Clearinghouse
- Client records kept, and documentation shared, for up to 5 years
One flat fee for everything Clayton does, start to finish.
Your counselor
Clayton Sponhaltz
SAPTX (Substance Abuse Professionals of Texas) has served San Antonio since 1999. Clayton and his longtime colleague built its reputation over more than 25 years. When she retired, Clayton took over the practice. Same name, same standards: treat people right, and never compromise public safety.
Credentials
- LCDC Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
- NCAC I National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I
- DOT Qualified SAP Substance Abuse Professional
What clients say
91 reviews on Google, across SAPTX's 25+ years.
“It was a great experience, learned a lot about myself and tools to move forward. I couldn’t have asked for a better counselor to help me walk through the situation I found myself in.”
“Very professional and responsive to all questions.”
“Awesome process.”
Common questions
How long will this take?
It depends on your evaluation and your plan. A SAP who promises a date before meeting you is cutting corners.
Can I do this over video?
Yes. Your evaluations are face-to-face, either in person at the office or on live video. Most states allow video evaluations, and Clayton has had only one that did not.
I'm an owner-operator. Can you help?
Yes. Owner-operators go through the same return-to-duty process. Clayton will walk you through how it applies to you on the first call.
What does my employer see?
Your employer gets Clayton's written reports: his recommendation after your first evaluation and the result of your follow-up evaluation. They don't get the details of your counseling. If you hold a CDL, completion is also reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
What's the Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is the federal database for CDL drivers. You use it to designate your SAP, and it records when you've completed the return-to-duty process.
Let's get you back to work.
Tell Clayton where you are in the process and he'll call you back. Your information goes only to him.
Got it. Clayton will call you back soon.
Need him sooner? Call (210) 846-1819 .
Need your records sent to another employer?
Consent for DOT records →Office & hours
18838 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 103, San Antonio, TX 78258
By appointment only · Live video evaluations available.
Get directions →