Length of Adolescent Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment for adolescents is individualized depending upon which stage of substance abuse the teenager is in. Each teen will first meet with a counselor in a free one-on-one consultation to determine any need for further assessment.

If the counselor determines that the teenager is misusing drugs or alcohol, the counselor will recommend Tier I treatment. The typical length of Tier I outpatient treatment is 4 weeks of individual counseling sessions (1 hour/week) followed by a family session that focuses on continuing care and family expectations surrounding the use of alcohol and drugs.

If the counselor determines that the adolescent appears to be dealing with higher levels of substance abuse, the counselor will recommend Tier II treatment. The typical length of Tier II outpatient treatment is 8 to 12 weeks (1 hour/week) of individual counseling sessions, plus a minimum of 2 family sessions.

If the counselor determines that the teen meets the diagnostic criteria for chemical dependency, the counselor will recommend Tier III treatment. The typical length of Tier III outpatient treatment ranges from 16 to 24 weeks (1 hour/week) of individual counseling sessions and group therapy, plus multiple family sessions and attendance at community-based support groups.

In addition, the adolescent’s parents will attend the Hanley Center’s Family Program, a 3-day supportive, educational group experience for those impacted by a loved one’s substance abuse.