For individuals seeking assistance with Missouri’s Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), the SATOP Help Desk is available via phone at (573) 522-4020 or email at [email protected]. Email inquiries will receive a response within 24 hours.
The SATOP Help Desk operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Decoding SATOP: What It Means for You
The Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) plays a crucial role in Missouri, annually assisting over 16,000 individuals. This program is mandated for those facing driver’s license suspension or revocation due to offenses like Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). SATOP requirements also extend to individuals charged with minor in possession and zero tolerance violations, highlighting its broad applicability in addressing substance-related traffic offenses.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), through its Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), oversees SATOP agencies. The core objective of SATOP is to significantly decrease the recurrence of DWI offenses. It aims to achieve this by providing a structured pathway for individuals to confront and manage their alcohol and substance use issues through state-certified programs.
Important Note: Be aware that online DWI/DUI classes are not recognized as meeting Missouri’s SATOP requirements. Physical presence and engagement in certified programs are necessary to fulfill these obligations.
Currently, the Division of Behavioral Health is not expanding its network of SATOP service providers, focusing on maintaining the quality and efficacy of existing programs.
Navigating the Electronic Payment for SATOP Comparable Programs Supplemental Fee
The term “electronic payment for SATOP Comparable Programs Supplemental Fee” refers specifically to the online payment system designed for SATOP Comparable Programs. It’s crucial to understand that this payment should only be processed after the SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form has been officially submitted for review.
Crucially, this link is NOT intended for paying for initial assessments or standard SATOP program fees. To schedule or handle payments for assessments or program fees, it is necessary to directly Contact an Offender Management Unit in your area.
Missouri Residents: Understanding Your SATOP Program Options
For Missouri residents, there are two primary pathways to fulfill SATOP requirements, offering flexibility based on individual circumstances.
Option 1: The Standard SATOP Program Route
- Initial SATOP Screening: Begin by undergoing a SATOP screening at a contracted agency. This screening, priced at $126.00, is a mandatory first step. The Directory of SATOP Screeners / Offender Management Units (OMU) provides a comprehensive listing of agencies, organized by county, along with their contact details. Upon completion of the screening, you will receive a SATOP Program Assignment Form, outlining your recommended program level. Payment of a supplemental fee, currently $249.00, is required at the time of screening. This fee supports the broader SATOP system and its initiatives.
- Program Enrollment: Following your assignment, you have a 6-month window to commence your assigned program. SATOP programs are structured into four levels, each tailored to different needs and risk levels. If you disagree with your program assignment, you have recourse through two options:
- Second Opinion: Seek a second opinion by undergoing another assessment at a different contracted SATOP agency. This provides an alternative perspective on program placement.
- Judicial Review: File for a judicial review at the associate circuit court in the county where your initial screening was conducted. This allows for a legal challenge to your program assignment.
- Program Completion: Complete the assigned SATOP program. Your screening agency will provide a list of approved program providers in your area. Program costs vary depending on the assigned level. Level I programs are priced at $200.00, while Levels II through IV have a minimum fee of $250.00. Upon successful program completion, the agency will electronically submit a completion form to the Department of Revenue, officially documenting your fulfillment of SATOP requirements.
Option 2: The Comparable Program Pathway
This option is available for Missouri residents who have already engaged in substantial substance use treatment services. It acknowledges prior efforts towards addressing substance use issues and offers an alternative route to SATOP compliance.
- Substance Use Treatment Services: Complete a minimum of 120 hours of substance use treatment services after the date of your offense. A significant portion, at least 40 hours, must be dedicated to individual or group counseling. The treatment agency must hold either state certification or national accreditation to ensure program quality and standards. If you’ve already completed a qualifying program since your offense, it may be eligible to count towards this requirement, streamlining the process.
- SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form: Obtain and complete the SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form. You can download this form online or request a paper copy by calling the Division of Behavioral Health at 573-522-4020. Fill out Section I of the form personally, and ensure that the treatment agency completes Sections II, III, and IV, providing detailed information about your treatment program.
- Submission and Payment: Once your treatment program is complete and the form is filled out, send the completed SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form along with the SATOP fee of $249.00. This fee is essential for processing your comparable program completion and ensuring it is officially recognized.
- Processing and Confirmation: Allow 1-2 weeks for processing your submission. Upon approval, confirmation will be sent to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), which will then remove the SATOP requirement from your driving record. For inquiries regarding your driver’s license status, you can contact the DOR directly at (573) 751-4833. You will also receive a copy of your SATOP Completion Form by mail for your records.
For a comprehensive, downloadable guide outlining these options, please refer to SATOP Completion requirements for Missouri residents.
Important Note for Missouri Residents: If you have already completed a substance use treatment program, it’s crucial to review the SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form, specifically page two, to understand if your program aligns with SATOP’s comparable program requirements. This proactive step can potentially streamline your SATOP compliance process.
Out-of-State Residents: Meeting Missouri’s SATOP Requirements
For individuals residing outside of Missouri who have incurred a DWI/DUI offense in the state, Missouri accommodates the completion of a comparable program in your home state. This recognizes that accessing Missouri-based programs may be impractical for out-of-state residents.
- Download the Comparable Program Form: Begin by downloading the SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy by contacting the Division of Behavioral Health at 573-522-4020.
- Locate a State-Certified DWI Agency: Utilize the United States Search Query Map to find a state-certified DWI agency in your state. This map is a valuable resource for identifying reputable and recognized programs nationwide.
- Complete a Drug and Alcohol Assessment: Contact a chosen agency to schedule and complete a drug and alcohol assessment. Assessment fees may vary between agencies, so it’s advisable to inquire about costs beforehand. Ensure the agency completes Section IIA of the Comparable Program Form, documenting the assessment results and recommendations.
- Program Completion: Complete the program recommended by the agency based on your assessment. This program must be completed within 6 months of the assessment. Program fees are agency-dependent. The agency is responsible for completing Sections III and IV of the Comparable Program Form, detailing your program participation and completion. Missouri mandates a minimum of ten hours of drug and alcohol education as part of a comparable program.
- Submit the Completed Form: Send the fully completed SATOP Comparable Program Completion Form to the designated Missouri authority. Ensure all sections are accurately filled out by both you and the out-of-state agency.
- Pay the SATOP Fee: Include the SATOP fee of $249.00 with your submission. This fee is required for processing out-of-state comparable program completions.
For a downloadable guide specifically for out-of-state residents, please visit SATOP Completion requirements for out of state residents.
Program Descriptions and Associated Fees
Assessment Screening Process: Offender Management Unit (OMU)
Missouri law mandates that all individuals arrested for alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses undergo an assessment screening at an Offender Management Unit (OMU). This evaluation is critical as it determines the most appropriate SATOP service level for each individual, ensuring tailored intervention.
SATOP Service Levels:
- Offender Education Program (OEP – Level I): A 10-hour educational course designed for individuals assessed as lower risk. It focuses on helping participants understand the decisions that led to their intoxication and subsequent arrest. The fee for Level I is $200.00.
- Adolescent Diversion Education Program (ADEP – Level I): Also a 10-hour education course, ADEP is specifically tailored for minors who have received offenses such as Abuse and Lose, Minor in Possession, or Zero Tolerance violations. The service fee mirrors OEP at $200.00.
- Weekend Intervention Program (WIP – Level II): This 20-hour program is an intensive intervention for repeat or higher-risk individuals. Delivered over a structured weekend, WIP utilizes intensive education and counseling methods. The fee for Level II is $474.46, plus an additional $6.70 for materials.
- Clinical Intervention Program (CIP – Level III): CIP is a more intensive outpatient treatment program designed for persistent DWI offenders or those identified as high-risk for chemical dependency during screening. The program spans five weeks and provides 50 hours of combined individual counseling, group counseling, and group education, with 10 hours specifically addressing drinking and driving issues. The Level III service fee is $1083.43.
- Serious and Repeat Offender Program (SROP – Level IV): SROP is an extensive outpatient program requiring at least 75 hours of treatment over a minimum of 90 days. Services include at least 35 hours of individual and/or group counseling. Successful completion is determined by the program’s clinical staff based on individual needs. The Level IV service fee is $1522.50, but may vary depending on specific services provided.
- Traditional Treatment (Level IV): For individuals with multiple alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses or those at high risk of re-offending, traditional substance abuse treatment may be recommended. This can be residential or outpatient but must be at a state-certified or nationally accredited provider. Fees vary based on the chosen treatment program. For more information, visit DBH Treatment Services.
For further details on these program types, contact a Division of Behavioral Health Regional Office, or consult the Provider Directory of Adult Substance Use Treatment Programs, Provider Directory of Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Programs, or the Treatment Facility Locator.
Financial assistance options may be available for individuals enrolled in WIP, CIP, SROP, or other state-contracted treatment programs, easing the financial burden of participation.
*Please note that all fees are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions about SATOP
Q: I received a DWI; how do I reinstate my driver’s license?
- To reinstate your driving privileges, SATOP completion is mandatory. This involves both an assessment and program completion. Upon successful completion of your assigned program, a completion form is sent to the Department of Revenue. However, the Department of Revenue has additional reinstatement requirements beyond SATOP. Contact them directly at (573) 526-2407 for comprehensive information.
Q: Where can I complete SATOP?
- Directory of SATOP Screeners / Offender Management Units (OMU)
Q: What is the supplemental fee associated with SATOP?
- The supplemental fee is mandated by Missouri state statute (Chapter 302, Section 302.540) for all individuals required to complete SATOP. These funds are deposited into the Mental Health Earnings Fund and are specifically used to provide financial assistance to eligible program participants based on a standardized Means Test, ensuring program accessibility.
Q: I completed a SATOP program years ago, but the provider is no longer in business. How can I verify my completion?
- Contact the Division of Behavioral Health at (573) 522-4020 to request a record search of their database for your completion information. It is always advisable to retain personal copies of all receipts and completion paperwork received from any SATOP agency for your own records.
Q: I received a program recommendation but disagree with the assessment, believing I don’t have a substance use problem. What are my options?
- Option 1: Seek a Second Opinion: You can obtain a second assessment at a different SATOP agency, provided you have not yet started your initially assigned program. This second assessment requires another $126 fee. The recommendation from the second opinion is considered final. Note that only one supplemental fee is required per offense, regardless of multiple assessments.
- Option 2: Judicial Review: You have the option to file for a judicial review in the associate circuit court in the county where your initial assessment was completed. A judge will then review your case and decide whether to modify your program placement.
Q: I am a resident of another state but received a DWI in Missouri. Must I return to Missouri to complete SATOP?
- No. You can complete SATOP requirements out-of-state. This involves undergoing an assessment at a state-certified or nationally accredited agency in your state and completing their recommended program. You will need to complete a Comparable Program Form and submit it to the Missouri central office along with the supplemental fee of $249. The minimum acceptable program duration is 10 hours of drug and alcohol education, but the specific program length is determined by your assessment.
Q: I’ve moved to a different state since my offense. How can I fulfill SATOP requirements?
- Refer to the “Out-of-State Residents” section above for detailed guidance on completing SATOP requirements from another state. The process is designed to accommodate individuals who have relocated.
Q: I live in Missouri and have completed a substance use treatment program. Will this fulfill SATOP requirements?
- Potentially, yes. If your completed program meets specific criteria, it may be considered a comparable program. The requirements are:
- The program must be state-certified or nationally accredited.
- It must have included a minimum of 120 hours of treatment services.
- At least 40 hours must have been dedicated to group and/or individual counseling.
- The agency must complete Sections II, III, and IV of the Comparable Program Completion Form.
- You must submit the supplemental fee.
Q: My DWI charge was dismissed (or I was found not guilty) in court. Why am I still required to complete SATOP?
- Even if a DWI case is dismissed in court, administrative actions by the Department of Revenue can still be in effect. SATOP requirements often stem from these administrative actions, which are separate from court proceedings.
