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Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient substance abuse treatment is a form of rehabilitation in which people are treated on a part-­time basis and return home after each session. Outpatient Programming includes less than 9 hours of treatment, per week. Most participants attend treatment 1-3 days per week.  Specific treatment recommendations will be made based on individual assessment and person-centered treatment plan. 

Outpatient services may include individual therapy, group therapy, and/or peer recovery coach services. Depending on treatment needs, case management services may also be provided.

Although groups may be uncomfortable at first, they are considered an important part of many client’s treatment journey.  Groups allow participants to improve their communication, learn how to socialize without drugs or alcohol, support each other, and experience structure and discipline. Each client, in coordination with their counselor, selects from a variety of therapeutic groups to determine the groups which are a best-fit for their treatment needs. 

You may also be referred for additional services such as psychiatric screening, medication management, community support groups, and vocational training. The collaborative treatment team will periodically discuss your progress, identified barriers, and on-going treatment recommendations.

If more than 9 hours of treatment are required each week, a referral for Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) will be made.  Alternatively, a referral for withdrawal management and/or inpatient residential treatment may be made to safely interrupt substance use and develop foundational recovery skills.

Treatment recommendations are determined by individual assessment.  In general, ideal candidates for outpatient substance treatment include individuals who meet the following general criteria and characteristics:

  • Mild to Moderate Substance Use Disorder – meaning they may not require intensive, round-the-clock supervision or medical detoxification.
  • Stable Mental and Physical Health – Candidates should have stable mental health and physical health conditions that do not require immediate medical intervention or inpatient care. Individuals with severe or untreated mental health disorders may benefit from integrated dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both substance use and mental health issues concurrently.
  • Motivation and Readiness for Change -Ideal candidates demonstrate motivation and readiness to address their substance use and engage actively in treatment. They may express a willingness to make positive changes in their lives and adhere to treatment recommendations.
  • Supportive Environment – Candidates have access to a supportive and stable living environment, such as a sober living house, supportive family members, or a strong social support network. Having a safe and stable living situation can facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Commitment to Attendance and Participation – Ideal candidates are willing and able to attend regularly scheduled outpatient treatment sessions, including individual therapy, group therapy, and educational sessions. They are committed to actively participating in their treatment process and completing commitment work or take-home exercises.
  • Ability to Manage Daily Responsibilities – Candidates should have the ability to manage their daily responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations, while engaging in outpatient treatment. Flexibility and willingness to prioritize treatment may be necessary.
  • Willingness to Engage in Aftercare Planning – Ideal candidates are open to developing a comprehensive aftercare plan to support their recovery following the completion of outpatient treatment. This may include participating in relapse prevention programs, attending peer support groups, and accessing community resources.
  • Absence of Acute Crisis or Safety Concerns – Candidates should not be experiencing acute crises or safety concerns that would require immediate intervention or hospitalization. Individuals with acute medical or psychiatric emergencies may require a higher level of care, such as inpatient treatment or hospitalization.
Outpatient Program Schedule

Various groups are offered throughout the week.  A calendar of group options will be provided to all clients. Group examples include Women’s Recovery Group, Moral Reconation Therapy Peer Recovery group, Co-occurring group, Self-care, Relapse Prevention, etc.

Some groups include educational didactic lecture on various substance use disorder and recovery related topics such as: Triggers and Cravings, Relapse Prevention, Coping Skills, Assertive Communication, Step 1and Step 2 of AA/NA, Acceptance, Spirituality, Recovery Community, Codependency, Stages of Change, Healthy Boundaries, Addiction as a Disease, etc.

Other groups are structured like more traditional group therapy. This allows group members to share their struggles and successes, get feedback from other group members and therapists, and process their thoughts and emotions in a supportive, non­ judgmental, and therapeutic environment.

AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, SMART recovery, Recovery Dharma, and other self-help support groups are encouraged but not mandatory for outpatient clients.

Outpatient Program Treatment Team Members

Individual Counselors and Clinical Intake Specialists – The clinician providing individual counseling services and clinical intake, will have one of the following credentials:

  • A Master’s degree, a State of Michigan limited or full license associated with degree (LLMSW, LMSW, LLPC, and/or LPC), and is in the process of obtaining or maintaining an Alcohol & Drug specific certification, CADC or CAADC, through MCBAP (Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals),
  • The counselor is in the process of obtaining a Master’s degree with a concentration in Mental Health, Substance Use, or other related field and also has a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Development Plan through MCBAP,
  • The counselor may be an intern who is in the process of obtaining a Master’s degree with a concentration on social work, counselling, psychology or other related fields and is under the clinical supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor. 

Peer Support / Recovery Coach – The peer providing these services will be a person with lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorders. They have obtained sobriety/ recovery and maintained that for a significant amount of time.  They have also completed at least one of the following:

  • 30 hours of specialized training and obtained CCAR certification,
  • Completed additional training and requirements to be certified by the State of Michigan,
  • Have a MCBAP development plan to be a Certified Peer Recovery Mentor,
  • Have completed all education, training, work experience, supervision, examination, and other requirements to be a Certified Peer Recovery Mentor through MCBAP.

Group Facilitators – All facilitators will meet the requirements listed under individual counselors or peer support. Some groups may be facilitated by more than one person, although most groups only have one facilitator.  On occasion, interns or supervisors may be present during group as part of the learning and supervisory process and will be considered guests. Any guest observers will be introduced by name and job title. They will also inform the group the reason for observing group for the day.

Supervisors – Each supervisor shall possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in a Mental Health and/or Substance Use discipline, encompassing fields such as social work, counseling, psychology, among others. Additionally, they must hold an Alcohol & Drug-specific certification, such as CADC or CAADC, accredited by MCBAP. Subsequently, supervisors are mandated to undergo additional specialized training and supervised work experience to attain MCBAP’s Clinical Supervisor certification.

Outpatient Program Guidelines and Expectations

Attendance

All clients are expected to attend consistently and on time. Chronic tardiness may result in the development of an attendance contract, and if the behavior continues to be problematic could lead to discharge from the program.

Abstinence

Abstinence is a goal and expectation for outpatient clients. However, the nature of substance use disorders is such that achieving abstinence is often a process and returning to use is common for individuals, especially in early recovery. The reporting of use or discovery of use through chemical tests is not grounds for discharge, but if a participant struggles to maintain abstinence a recommendation to a higher level of care (IOP or residential) will be made.

Urine Drug Screens and Breath Tests

Therapists will request that clients complete urine drug screening randomly to verify ongoing abstinence from substance use/abuse. Breath tests may also be administered to verify abstinence and increase recovery accountability.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on the property. There will be an opportunity for a break between group sessions. If a group member chooses to smoke during that time, it must be done off the property.

Cell Phones

Cell phones should be turned off or placed on Do Not Disturb during individual and group sessions. If there is a need to send a text message for an urgent issue, this should be done outside of group. If a group member needs to take/make a call this should be done outside of the building to ensure the confidentiality of the group member’s information as well as others receiving treatment in the building. Using cell phones for non-urgent issues (Facebook, Twitter, etc) is not permitted. Members will be asked to turn their phone off if it becomes a distraction in treatment.

Cancelations/No-Show

The program prefers cancellations be made as soon as the member is able to inform staff. Partial attendance with or without advance notice will be counted as attended but not for a full session.

Hours of Operation

The Adrian outpatient office is open primarily Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm. Requests for evening and weekend individual counseling appointments may be available by appointment, with clinical team approval. Planned closures, such as for holidays, will be announced in advance. Unforeseen closures will be announced on MVA’s Facebook page.