If you are in immediate need of addiction treatment in the U.S., then one of the best places to begin your search for a reputable and effective program is SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator website.
This comprehensive database of programs is maintained by the government and is ad-free, which means you don’t have to worry about unsavory marketing influences. But it’s far from perfect, because having a list of programs still means you have to know how to sort through the options and find the best fit for your needs.
Treatment Resources
While I encourage you to read the information on this website, here are two additional resources to help with the task:
- How to find quality addiction treatment
- Treatment eBook: How to find the right help for your child with an alcohol or drug problem
Before you begin to make calls and hone your search for the best program, be sure to review these articles which will help you formulate questions you might want to ask when talking with admission coordinators.
- Investing in addiction treatment
- Addiction treatment system 14 years later
- Why treatment often fails patients
- Wise use of addiction treatment
If you want even more help evaluating programs, SAMHSA offers phone support 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Private Practice Clinicians
Just because you are in need of treatment does not mean that you have to seek it from an addiction treatment program. There are many very qualified private practice clinicians who are more than qualified to help you! In fact, in many rural parts of the U. S. there are no treatment programs unless you want to travel great distances, so local providers really are the best bet. Private practice clinicians include:
- Psychologists
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- Psychiatrists
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
- And others…
The best way to find a clinician that can help you is by seeking a referral from someone you trust. This might be your primary care doctor, a pastor, a friend in the know, or some other contact that knows this field well. If you truly are alone and have no one to ask, then start your search online. Most private practice clinicians now have websites that provide enough information about their work to help you decide whether they might be a good fit for you.
I have also put together some thoughts on How to Find a Good Therapist that you may find useful. If you happen to be checking this information out for someone you love or care about, don’t miss:
- How to help my child
- How to help a loved one/friend
And if you need more help, by all means contact me: