Family court independent substance abuse evaluator

Substance Use Evaluations for Family Court – Conducted by Kansas Cafferty, LMFT, MAC

Over the past decade, James “Kansas” Cafferty, LMFT, MAC has become a trusted resource for substance use evaluations related to family court and custody proceedings. When courts request an expert assessment to determine the severity of a parent’s alcohol or drug use, Kansas is frequently the professional that clients, attorneys, and even both parties can agree on.

With a calm, nonjudgmental approach grounded in clinical expertise and personal experience, Kansas creates an atmosphere where clients feel understood—not attacked. His assessments are thorough, evidence-informed, and sensitive to the complex emotional and legal dynamics at play. His primary concern is always the well-being of children, including protecting them from both the harms of substance misuse and the trauma of unnecessarily losing time with a capable parent.

• Over 25 years of experience treating substance use disorders (since 1997)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California
• Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), nationally certified
• Former Credentialing Chair of the Global Certification and Credentialing Commission (GCCC)
• Immediate past Chairman of NAADAC’s National Certification Commission
• Has completed over 2,500 substance use disorder evaluations
• National and international trainer and speaker on addiction and clinical standards
• Deep knowledge of the clinical, legal, and behavioral nuances of substance use

Whether you’re an attorney seeking a qualified evaluator for your client or an individual navigating family court, you can count on Kansas Cafferty for fair, timely, and professionally recognized assessments that serve the best interests of both parent and child.

Substance use evaluations can be scheduled in person at his Oceanside, CA office or conducted remotely via secure telehealth for clients anywhere in California.