Aviation Residential Assessment

Program Highlights

Caron understands that pilots—and other aviation professionals—operate under extraordinary expectations — physically, mentally, and emotionally. When you are facing substance use or mental health concerns, we are by your side. Our thorough and compassionate evaluation can safeguard your personal wellbeing and professional certification.

Caron is among a select group of treatment centers trained in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program. Our clinicians understand the complex balance among aviation safety, professional responsibility, and personal recovery. We work closely with airline employee assistance programs (EAPs), aviation medical examiners (AMEs), and HIMS peer monitors to ensure assessments meet FAA standards while prioritizing your health and dignity.

Assessment

Caron’s team-based model ensures that assessments are:

Clinically rigorous
Aligned with FAA/HIMS standards
Focused on both recovery and readiness to fly

Our interdisciplinary team of addiction medicine physicians, psychologists, and certified addiction counselors conducts a coordinated series of evaluations and evidence-based assessments, including:

Comprehensive medical and addiction assessments by board-certified physicians
Psychological evaluations to identify trauma, mood, and anxiety-related concerns
Neurocognitive screening to assess memory, language, attention, and executive functioning
Psychosocial assessment to explore psychological and social factors influencing mental health, behavior, and overall functioning
Comprehensive metabolic laboratory testing
Toxicology screenings (PeTH, ETG, hair/nail analysis)
Family and collateral interviews for added context
Review of medical records and consultation with current providers (as needed)

This coordinated, in-depth assessment creates a complete diagnostic picture, guiding decisions about recovery, treatment, and professional re-entry. A typical assessment for pilots and other aviation professionals runs five days, but length may vary depending on what is needed.

Next Steps

At the conclusion of the program, our team meets with you and referring entities (as appropriate) to review findings and outline a clear path forward. Recommendations may include:

Specific level of care and duration of treatment
Monitoring and recovery support aligned with HIMS/ FAA criteria
Referrals to AMEs or specialized programs
Continuing care plans and alumni engagement opportunities

If Caron’s Aviation Residential Program is not the best fit for ongoing care, we assist you in the transition to appropriate services elsewhere.

Why Pilots Choose Caron

Thorough diagnostic clarity in a structured five-day format
Direct coordination with airline partners
Family involvement and education
A private and supportive environment to begin building a foundation for lasting wellness
Personalized aftercare planning
Decades of experience treating professionals with substance use and co-occurring conditions
By focusing on recovery, we can help you rediscover confidence, restore your health, and prepare for safe re-entry to flight.

Staff Expertise

HIMS-trained clinical experts on staff
Extensive experience in evaluating and treating professionals in safety-sensitive roles
Physicians board-certified in addiction medicine, psychiatry, internal medicine, critical care medicine, and anesthesiology
Licensed doctoral-level psychologists and psychiatrists
Interdisciplinary approach