Outpatient treatment is recognized as an effective and efficient level of care for clients to learn the skills to make positive behavioral changes to lower the impact that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs have in their lives.

These groups usually meet one to two times a week and range from 2 to 3 hours in length. Clients are assigned to groups that initially appear to be the best match with their strength, abilities, needs and preferences. Clients are also matched to groups according to their stage of change and their full ASAM placement criteria. As treatment continues movement between groups may be indicated.