Recovery Provider Types Guide
Understanding the different types of addiction recovery services can help you or your loved one find the right level of care. Each provider type offers unique services and benefits.
Interventionist
Professionals who facilitate structured conversations to help individuals recognize addiction and motivate treatment
Therapist/Counselor
Licensed mental health professionals who provide individual, group, or family therapy for addiction and co-occurring disorders
Treatment Center
Comprehensive facilities offering multiple levels of addiction treatment services
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Structured treatment programs that allow patients to live at home while attending therapy multiple times per week
Outpatient Treatment
Flexible treatment programs with weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions while living at home
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Day treatment programs providing hospital-level care without overnight stays
Detox Center
Medical facilities providing supervised withdrawal management and stabilization
Residential Treatment
Long-term inpatient treatment facilities providing 24/7 care and comprehensive programming
Sober Living Home
Structured, substance-free housing with peer support and accountability
Recovery Coach
Peer specialists and life coaches providing personalized support and accountability in recovery
Understanding Treatment Levels
Treatment Intensity Scale
Typical Treatment Progression
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Interventionist
Professionals who facilitate structured conversations to help individuals recognize addiction and motivate treatment
What is Interventionist?
Interventionists are trained professionals who specialize in helping families and friends communicate with loved ones about their substance abuse in a structured, non-confrontational way. They guide the intervention process to maximize the chance of the person accepting treatment.
What They Do
- Plan and facilitate family interventions
- Educate families about addiction and recovery
- Help develop consequences and boundaries
- Provide emotional support during the intervention process
- Assist with treatment placement and logistics
- Offer follow-up support and family counseling
Types of Interventionist
Crisis Interventionist
Specializes in emergency situations where immediate action is needed due to safety concerns or escalating addiction.
Family Interventionist
Focuses on working with families to plan and execute interventions, often using models like the Johnson Method or ARISE approach.
Workplace Interventionist
Specializes in employee assistance programs and workplace-based interventions.
Clinical Interventionist
Licensed mental health professionals who combine intervention services with ongoing therapeutic support.
When to Consider This Option
When a loved one is struggling with addiction but refuses to seek treatment, or when family members need guidance on how to approach their loved one about getting help.
Cost & Insurance Information
Therapist/Counselor
Licensed mental health professionals who provide individual, group, or family therapy for addiction and co-occurring disorders
What is Therapist/Counselor?
Therapists and counselors specializing in addiction provide evidence-based psychotherapy to help individuals overcome substance use disorders. They address underlying mental health issues, teach coping strategies, and support long-term recovery.
What They Do
- Conduct individual therapy sessions
- Facilitate group therapy sessions
- Provide family and couples therapy
- Develop treatment plans and goals
- Teach coping strategies and relapse prevention
- Address co-occurring mental health disorders
- Coordinate with other treatment providers
Types of Therapist/Counselor
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Masters-level clinicians who can diagnose and treat substance use and mental health disorders.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Masters-level counselors specializing in addiction and mental health treatment.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Specialists in relationship and family dynamics affected by addiction.
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
Professionals specifically trained and certified in addiction counseling.
Psychologist
Doctoral-level professionals who can provide therapy and psychological testing.
Psychiatrist
Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide therapy for addiction and mental health.
When to Consider This Option
For ongoing therapeutic support, addressing underlying mental health issues, learning coping strategies, or working through family/relationship problems related to addiction.
Cost & Insurance Information
Treatment Center
Comprehensive facilities offering multiple levels of addiction treatment services
What is Treatment Center?
Treatment centers provide structured addiction treatment programs with medical supervision, therapy, and comprehensive support services. They offer various levels of care from detox to long-term residential treatment.
What They Do
- Provide medical detoxification services
- Offer residential/inpatient treatment programs
- Conduct comprehensive assessments
- Provide individual and group therapy
- Offer family therapy and education
- Teach life skills and relapse prevention
- Coordinate aftercare planning
- Provide medication-assisted treatment
Types of Treatment Center
Residential Treatment Center
24/7 care with on-site housing, typically 30-90 days, providing intensive therapy and medical supervision.
Detox Center
Medically supervised withdrawal management, typically 3-10 days, to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation Center
Comprehensive treatment combining detox, residential care, and outpatient services.
Specialty Treatment Centers
Facilities focusing on specific populations (women, men, teens, professionals) or specific addictions.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who need intensive, 24/7 medical supervision and structured treatment environment, especially for severe addiction or those with multiple failed treatment attempts.
Cost & Insurance Information
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Structured treatment programs that allow patients to live at home while attending therapy multiple times per week
What is Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOPs provide comprehensive addiction treatment while allowing patients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Programs typically meet 3-5 times per week for several hours each session.
What They Do
- Provide group therapy sessions
- Offer individual counseling
- Conduct family therapy sessions
- Teach relapse prevention strategies
- Provide education about addiction
- Offer case management services
- Coordinate with other healthcare providers
- Provide random drug testing
Types of Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Standard IOP
9-12 hours per week of programming, typically 3-4 days per week for 3-4 hours each day.
Evening IOP
Programs scheduled for evenings to accommodate work or school schedules.
Weekend IOP
Programs that meet on weekends for those who cannot attend weekday sessions.
Specialized IOP
Programs designed for specific populations (professionals, women, LGBTQ+, co-occurring disorders).
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who need structured treatment but can maintain housing and some daily responsibilities, or as a step-down from residential treatment.
Cost & Insurance Information
Outpatient Treatment
Flexible treatment programs with weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions while living at home
What is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment provides addiction counseling and support while patients live at home and maintain their daily routines. It's less intensive than IOP and suitable for those with stable housing and strong support systems.
What They Do
- Provide individual therapy sessions
- Offer group therapy
- Provide family counseling
- Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans
- Coordinate with other healthcare providers
- Provide relapse prevention education
- Offer medication management
- Provide case management services
Types of Outpatient Treatment
Standard Outpatient
1-2 sessions per week, typically 1 hour each, focusing on individual therapy.
Group Outpatient
Group therapy sessions 1-2 times per week with others in recovery.
Family Outpatient
Sessions that include family members to address relationship dynamics.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Outpatient programs that include medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals with stable housing and support systems who need ongoing therapeutic support but not intensive daily programming.
Cost & Insurance Information
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Day treatment programs providing hospital-level care without overnight stays
What is Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
PHPs offer the most intensive level of outpatient care, typically 20-30+ hours per week of programming. Patients attend treatment during the day and return home in the evenings, providing intensive support while maintaining some independence.
What They Do
- Provide intensive daily therapy
- Offer medical monitoring and support
- Conduct comprehensive assessments
- Provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Offer group and individual therapy
- Teach coping skills and life skills
- Provide family therapy and education
- Coordinate aftercare planning
Types of Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Addiction PHP
Programs specifically designed for substance use disorders with addiction-focused curriculum.
Dual Diagnosis PHP
Programs for individuals with both substance use and mental health disorders.
Adult PHP
Programs designed for adults 18+ with comprehensive addiction treatment services.
Adolescent PHP
Specialized programs for teenagers with age-appropriate curriculum and family involvement.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who need intensive daily treatment but can safely return home each night, or as a step-down from residential treatment.
Cost & Insurance Information
Detox Center
Medical facilities providing supervised withdrawal management and stabilization
What is Detox Center?
Detox centers provide medically supervised withdrawal from drugs or alcohol in a safe, comfortable environment. They manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare patients for ongoing addiction treatment.
What They Do
- Monitor vital signs and medical stability
- Manage withdrawal symptoms with medication
- Provide 24/7 medical supervision
- Offer emotional support and counseling
- Conduct medical and psychiatric evaluations
- Develop continuing care plans
- Coordinate with treatment facilities
- Provide education about addiction and recovery
Types of Detox Center
Medical Detox
Hospital-based or medical facility detox with full medical monitoring and intervention capabilities.
Social Detox
Non-medical detox with social support and monitoring for individuals at low risk for complications.
Outpatient Detox
Medically supervised detox where patients visit daily but sleep at home.
Rapid Detox
Controversial procedure using anesthesia to speed withdrawal process, available at specialized centers.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who need medical supervision during withdrawal, especially those with severe physical dependence, history of complicated withdrawal, or medical complications.
Cost & Insurance Information
Residential Treatment
Long-term inpatient treatment facilities providing 24/7 care and comprehensive programming
What is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment provides intensive, round-the-clock care in a therapeutic community setting. Programs typically last 30-90+ days and include comprehensive therapy, life skills training, and peer support.
What They Do
- Provide 24/7 supervised care
- Offer individual and group therapy
- Provide family therapy and education
- Teach life skills and vocational training
- Offer recreational and wellness activities
- Provide structured daily routines
- Coordinate medical and psychiatric care
- Develop comprehensive discharge planning
Types of Residential Treatment
Short-term Residential
30-60 day programs focusing on intensive therapy and stabilization.
Long-term Residential
90+ day programs providing extended therapeutic community experience.
Therapeutic Community
Peer-driven residential programs emphasizing community responsibility and personal growth.
Luxury Residential
High-end facilities with premium amenities and low staff-to-client ratios.
Gender-specific Residential
Programs designed specifically for men or women with gender-specific programming.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals with severe addiction, multiple failed treatment attempts, lack of stable housing, or need for intensive, structured environment away from triggers.
Cost & Insurance Information
Sober Living Home
Structured, substance-free housing with peer support and accountability
What is Sober Living Home?
Sober living homes provide a safe, structured environment for individuals in early recovery. Residents follow house rules, participate in chores, attend meetings, and support each other's recovery while transitioning back to independent living.
What They Do
- Provide substance-free housing
- Enforce house rules and curfews
- Require regular drug testing
- Facilitate house meetings
- Provide peer support and accountability
- Connect residents with treatment resources
- Assist with employment and life skills
- Offer structured transition to independence
Types of Sober Living Home
Oxford House
Self-run, democratic sober living homes with specific operational guidelines and no time limits.
Supervised Sober Living
Professionally managed homes with house managers and structured programming.
Transitional Living
Short-term housing (3-6 months) designed to bridge treatment and independent living.
Extended Care
Longer-term sober living (6+ months) with additional support services and programming.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who have completed treatment but need structured, supportive housing before returning to independent living, or those without stable, substance-free housing options.
Cost & Insurance Information
Recovery Coach
Peer specialists and life coaches providing personalized support and accountability in recovery
What is Recovery Coach?
Recovery coaches are often peers in recovery themselves who provide non-clinical support, accountability, and guidance. They help individuals navigate recovery challenges, access resources, and maintain motivation.
What They Do
- Provide one-on-one support and accountability
- Help develop recovery goals and plans
- Assist with accessing treatment and resources
- Offer peer support and shared experience
- Help navigate recovery challenges
- Provide motivation and encouragement
- Assist with life skills and practical needs
- Accompany clients to meetings or appointments
Types of Recovery Coach
Peer Recovery Coach
Individuals in recovery themselves who provide support based on shared experience.
Certified Recovery Coach
Professionally trained coaches with specific certification in recovery coaching techniques.
Life Coach in Recovery
General life coaches who specialize in working with individuals in recovery from addiction.
Family Recovery Coach
Coaches who work with family members affected by a loved one's addiction.
When to Consider This Option
For individuals who want personalized, non-clinical support in maintaining recovery, navigating life challenges, or need accountability partner in their recovery journey.