How much do you charge for your services?
Costs vary by program and individual. Contact us for more specific details.
Is there a reduction plan for fees?
Yes, your income might qualify you for reduced fees. These fees are set by the State of Illinois. You must show documentation of your income for fee adjustments.
Can I pay for my services at the end of treatment?
No, services must be paid for as you receive them.
How long does an evaluation take?
Approximately 1 1/2 hours.
When can I expect the papers from my evaluation to be completed?
Approximately 2 weeks. The originals are automatically sent to court; if you need additional copies after picking up your copy there is a $25 processing fee.
How many hours will I have to complete?
If you are coming to Nicasa for DUI services, the number of hours depends on what “level” you are assessed at based on your history and drug/alcohol use. The minimum hours for each level are:
Minimal Risk – AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Education) is 10 hours over a period of 1-2 weeks.
Moderate Risk is a total of 22 hours (1 hour intake, 10 hours AODA, 11 hours group counseling).
Significant Risk is a total of 30 hours (1 hour intake, 10 hours AODA, 19 hours of group counseling).
High Risk is a total of 75 hours (1 hour intake, 74 hours of group counseling).
These hours may vary based on your counselor’s recommendation.
How long before I can be seen at Nicasa?
Appointments can typically be made within 48 hours. Priority is given to women who are pregnant.
Do you do random drug testing?
No. All drug tests must be court-ordered or for a client in treatment. A parent can not walk in off the street with their child and demand a drug test because they suspect the child is using drugs.
Are you operated by the State of Illinois?
No, we are an independent not-for-profit, agency working with, but not for, the state.
If I got a DUI somewhere other than Lake County, IL, can I come to Nicasa for services?
Yes, you can come to Nicasa for an evaluation as long as your county allows it. Several counties have agreements with other agencies for DUI evaluations. Please provide documentation that your county allows you to come to Nicasa. Treatment based on a DUI evaluation can be done at Nicasa no matter where the evaluation was completed. Please bring your evaluation paperwork with you if your evaluation was completed elsewhere.
What do I have to bring for a DUI evaluation appointment?
You must bring several documents to your evaluation. In order to complete the evaluation you MUST have a copy of your driver’s abstract. If you do not have one at the time of your appointment you can still be seen, but you will not be able to take your completed evaluation with you until you bring one in to your counselor. A driver’s abstract is obtained from any Secretary of State facility. More info. You must also bring in your Notice of Summary Suspension (a white piece of paper that was issued at the time of your arrest), all tickets issued at the time of the arrest, your attorney’s contact information, and your appointment fee (as discussed at the time the appointment was made).
Will my wife (or family, or boss) find out I am here?
Nicasa must abide by very strict rules regarding confidentiality from HIPAA and 42CFR Part 2. All client records and treatments are confidential. Clients must sign a release in order for staff to disclose any information.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. At the time of your appointment we will schedule you with your preference of English or Spanish-speaking services.
Do you provide services in other languages?
Nicasa provide English and Spanish services directly. Any other languages may be requested (if available) through the state of Illinois Language Line. An interpreter may also be requested.
Where can I go to get more info on drugs, alcohol, addiction, and other services?
See our Resources Page for links to a variety of helpful information.
Can you help my son who is beginning to experiment with marijuana?
Yes. We have early intervention programs specifically targeting youth who are just beginning to experiment with drugs or alcohol.
I’m afraid my daughter is using drugs, but I’m not sure. What should I do?
Call us at 847-546-6450 to schedule a free consultation with one of our counselors.
My father plays poker online almost every day. He says it’s just for fun, but he’s losing money. Can you help?
Yes. We have counselors trained in gambling intervention who can help both you and your father.
My daughter is so nervous all the time and has had panic attacks at school. Can you help her?
Yes. We have certified mental health counselors who are experienced with a wide variety of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
My son is coming there for services, but I can’t get any information or even change his appointment. What’s going on?
Nicasa must abide by very strict rules regarding confidentiality from HIPAA and 42CFR Part 2. Any children age 12 and older must sign a release of information to allow us to speak to a parent about his or her services.
Family Advocacy Center and Services
Do I have to pay for Family Advocacy Services?
No. These services are free to the community thanks to funding from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Do you offer walk-in appointments?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee a staff member is available at that day and time, and you may experience significant wait times. It is recommended to contact our Round Lake or North Chicago offices to make an appointment.
What if I do not have a valid ID or address?
Make an appointment and we will assist you in obtaining appropriate identification.
Do you have attorneys available to help with legal and immigration issues?
No. We can only assist buy either referring you to local attorneys and legal providers and/or guiding you through the court process (including accompaniment to court proceedings and practical assistance). Please note that our staff cannot legally represent you in court or provide any legal advice.
Do you have counselors/therapists?
Yes. If you or a family member are experiencing substance abuse, mental health, or other behavioral health concerns that Nicasa can address, we will refer you internally to one of our other locations and connect you with the appropriate staff. We accept various types of insurance (including Medicaid) and offer a sliding-scale fee for those who do not have insurance.
