How to Search and What to Ask | Navigator

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block block-block-content block-block-content46c545a1-4f11-4a99-9840-21db1ab9ad58"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="horizontal-links uppercase font-size-small"><a href="/healthcare-professionals">For Healthcare Professionals</a><a href="/helpful-links">Helpful Links</a></div></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container hero hero--contextual block block-views block-views-blockhero-image-contextual-block-1" id="block-views-block-hero-image-contextual-block-1"> <div><div class="view view-hero-image-contextual view-id-hero_image_contextual view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-f78b6b20ce041364d30828b0459d48eb37bb803098c651b28277508e86264ead"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-field-image"><div class="field-content"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/images/hero-how-to-find.jpg" width="1690" height="350" alt="two women sitting, reviewing papers that one of the women is holding" /> </div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="clearfix main-content-container"> <div class="breadcrumbs"> <div class="region region-breadcrumb"> <div id="block-breadcrumbs" class="block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <nav class="breadcrumb" role="navigation" aria-labelledby="system-breadcrumb"> <h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2> <ol> <li> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li> How to Find Quality Alcohol Treatment </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <article id="main-content" role="main" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/WebPage"> <div class="region region-content"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div><div id="block-mainpagecontent" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="field field--name-node-title field--type-ds field--label-hidden field__item"><h1> Step 1 - SEARCH Trusted Sources To Find Providers </h1> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2 class="point_subhead"><em>Pointing the way to evidence-based care<sup>®</sup></em></h2> <p>To find science-backed treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), start here. Three types of professional providers are most likely to provide quality care: specialty <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-1-search-trusted-sources-to-find-providers#search-programs">programs</a>, <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-1-search-trusted-sources-to-find-providers#search-spacialties" >therapists</a>, and <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-1-search-trusted-sources-to-find-providers#search-doctors">doctors</a>. </p> <div id="search-programs"></div> <p>There are thousands of these providers nationwide. We'll show you how to search trusted directories to find some that meet your needs. By searching for all three types, you can compare all the options.</p> <p>Note: Since the pandemic, more providers are offering alcohol treatment through <a href="/FAQs-searching-alcohol-treatment#topic-how-can-i-access-quality-alcohol-treatment-during-the-covid-19-emergency-through-telehealth-or-online-programs">telehealth care</a>. Ask providers you find if they offer phone or video sessions. If you search widely, just make sure they can practice in your state.</p> <hr /></div> <div class="field field--name-field-paragraphed-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="custom--readmore"> <h3 id="search-programs"><strong>SEARCH</strong> for alcohol treatment programs</h3> <p><strong>What do alcohol treatment programs do?</strong></p> <p>Treatment programs provide group, individual, and family counseling in outpatient and residential settings. Some offer full services to cover mental health and medical care and other support.</p> <div id="program-body"> <p><strong>How do I search for an alcohol treatment program? </strong></p> <p>Find alcohol treatment programs with the <em>Navigator's</em> simplified search tool. It draws from a national database kept by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). </p> <div class="field field--name-field-paragraphed-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field-name-field-block-reference"> <div class="block block-nlocator block-nlocator-search-form-block" id="block-locatortoolsearchformblock"> <div class="nlocator-search"> <header class="nlocator-search-header" style="background: #3f5d65;color: #fffeff; font-weight: 700;text-align: center;padding: .4em;"> Alcohol Treatment Program Search Tool </header> <form action="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/find-alcohol-treatment-programs/search" method="get" onsubmit="return validateSearch(this)"> <div id="errorText" style="display:none;width:100%;text-align: center;padding: 10px 5px;"> Please enter a zip code, city or state </div><input aria-label="Enter Zip Code, City, or state" name="address" placeholder="Enter Zip Code" tabindex="0" type="text" title="Zip Code, City, or state"> <div class="nlocator-search--in-state-group"> <div aria-label="In state Only" class="inStateContainer" onclick="toggleIcon()" onkeyup="toggleIcon(event)" tabindex="0"><img id="inStateIcon" src="/themes/navigator/images/checkbox-check-blue.png" alt="blue check mark icon" style="display:none" title="In State"></div><label for="inState" id="inStateLabel" onclick="toggleIcon(event)">In State Only</label> <input id="inState" name="inState" type="hidden" value="false"> </div><button aria-label="Search for Programs" tabindex="0" type="submit"><strong>Search for Programs</strong> <img alt="Search" src="/themes/navigator/images/icon-search-white.png"></button> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p class="rteindent1 small"><strong>A note on programs for veterans:</strong> If the person needing treatment is a veteran or is covered by health benefits for veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help you find VA services near you. Visit the <a href="https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/SUD.asp" target="_blank">VA Substance Use Disorder Program Locator</a> to do your search. </p> <p>Note: Since the pandemic, more providers are offering telehealth sessions. You can filter your search results for “telemedicine/telehealth.” Or search without the filter and call to check availability of telehealth services.</p> <p>Once you find some programs you’re interested in, be sure to visit Step 2 for <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions#topic-10-recommended-question" >questions to ask</a> and answers to listen for.  </p> <p><strong>What </strong><strong>types of </strong><strong>programs</strong><strong> are available</strong><strong>? </strong></p> <p>There are four basic “levels of care” or intensity for alcohol treatment. As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, they are:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Outpatien</strong><strong>t</strong><strong>:</strong> Regular office visits held once or more a week for several months, for counseling, medication support, or both. Note: These include telehealth sessions by phone or video chat. </li> <li><strong>Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization</strong><strong>:</strong> Coordinated outpatient care, usually for several months, for complex needs.</li> <li><strong>Residential</strong><strong>:</strong> Low or high intensity “rehab” programs, lasting several weeks, in 24-hour treatment settings.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Intensive inpatient</strong><strong>:</strong> Medically directed, 24-hour services, lasting several days to a week. May manage withdrawal.  </li> </ul> <p>How do you know which level is right for someone? A complete assessment of a person’s alcohol problems and complications provides guidance. See <a href="https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/what-to-know/different-people-different-options">Why do different people need different options</a>?</p> <p><strong>What questions should I ask? </strong></p> <p>See <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/10-questions-for-alcohol-treatment-programs"> 10 recommended questions</a> to ask treatment programs in Step 2. We also offer some “best case” answers to listen for. They will help you learn whether a program offers higher-quality care and is a good fit for your situation.  </p> <p><strong>How can I spot quality?</strong></p> <p>See the <em>Navigator’s</em> summary of <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care">five signs of quality alcohol treatment</a>. We also help you spot quality in the “Why you should ask” and “What to listen for” sections for the <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/10-questions-for-alcohol-treatment-programs">recommended questions</a>.</p> <p><strong>What if I can’t find a treatment program that meets my needs?   </strong></p> <p>If you cannot find a program that meets your needs, the <em>Navigator </em>can help you find other types of providers. Use the search tools below to find therapists and doctors with addiction specialties. Learn how these healthcare professionals can provide <a href= "/FAQs-searching-alcohol-treatment#topic-how-can-i-access-quality-alcohol-treatment-during-the-covid-19-emergency-through-telehealth-or-online-programs">telehealth care</a>. </p> <p style="font-size: .8em"> <em>NIAAA cannot endorse any treatment providers nor be responsible for the options ultimately chosen. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator</em><em><span data-fontsize="10">®</span></em><em> cannot ensure that the search process will deliver higher-quality treatment providers in your vicinity who are using evidence-based approaches. In addition, the search tools on the Navigator may not capture every possible higher-quality treatment provider in your vicinity. For any alcohol treatment program you are considering, be sure to ask the </em><a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions"><em>10 recommended questions</em></a><em>, and use the answers to check for </em><a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care"><em>five signs of higher-quality care</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> <div id="search-spacialties"></div> <button id="program" class="step1-navigation--button" aria-label="Search for Program">Search for Programs Now <i class="fas fa-sort-down" title="Expandable menu" aria-hidden="true" role="img"></i></button> <hr /> <h3><strong>SEARCH</strong> for therapists with addiction specialties</h3> <p><strong>What do </strong><strong></strong><strong>therapists do?</strong></p> <p>Therapists with expertise in treating addiction can support people with alcohol problems in several ways. They help clients to set goals, develop skills to cut down or stop drinking, manage stress, and build a strong social support system.They may offer one-on-one, family, or group sessions, once or more a week. They can work in solo or group practices or in health care centers. </p> <div id="treatment-body"> <p><strong>How do I search for therapist with an addiction specialty?</strong> </p> <p>We'll help you to search the Psychology Today directory. This is the largest listing in the United States of licensed professional therapists. We've created <span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"><a href= "https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/sites/default/files/TipstoHelpSrchAdctTherpsts-508.pdf">step-by-step tips</a> to guide your search. <br /></p> <center><div class="button button--blue button--search button-with-thumbnail--button button--left" style="max-width:400px!important;"><a href="https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/addiction" target="_blank">Start Your Search Now<br /> at Psychology Today</a></div></center> <p><strong>What questions should I ask? </strong> </p> <p>See <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/10-questions-for-addiction-therapists">10 recommended questions</a> to ask therapists in Step 2. We also offer some “best case” answers to listen for.  They will help you learn whether a therapist offers higher-quality care and is a good fit for your situation.  </p> <p><strong>How can I spot quality?</strong> </p> <p>See the <em>Navigator’s</em> summary of <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care">five signs of quality alcohol treatment</a>. We also help you spot quality in the “Why you should ask” and “What to listen for” sections for the <a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/10-questions-for-addiction-therapists"> recommended questions</a>. </p> <p><strong>What if I can’t find an addiction therapist who meets my needs?</strong> </p> <p>See the <a href="https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs-searching-alcohol-treatment#topic-what-if-i-cannot-find-addiction-therapists-nearby"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Frequently Asked Questions</a> for helpful suggestions. Also, be sure to look for the other types of treatment providers— alcohol treatment programs and board-certified addiction doctors. <br /></p> <p style="font-size: .8em"><em>NIAAA cannot endorse any treatment providers nor be responsible for the options ultimately chosen. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator</em><em><span data-fontsize="9">®</em><em> cannot ensure that the search process will deliver higher-quality treatment providers in your vicinity who are using evidence-based approaches. In addition, the search tools on the Navigator may not capture every possible higher-quality treatment provider in your vicinity. For any addiction therapist you are considering, be sure to ask the </em><a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions"><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">10 recommended questions</em></a><em>, and use the answers to check for </em><a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care"><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">five signs of higher-quality care</em></a><em>.</em> </p> </div> <div id="search-doctors"></div> <button id="treatment" class="step1-navigation--button" aria-label="Search for Program">Search for Therapists Now <i class="fas fa-sort-down" title="Expandable menu" aria-hidden="true" role="img"></i></button> <hr /> <h3><strong>SEARCH</strong> for addiction doctors</h3> <p><strong>What do addiction doctors do?</strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US"><span>In the U.S., more than 5,000 medical doctors are board-certified addiction specialists. They are highly trained to provide full assessments, treatment plans, and medications for alcohol problem</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span>s</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span>.</span></span></p> <div id="doctors-body"> <p>They may work in a small office practice, a health clinic, or a hospital. There are two types of addiction doctors:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Addiction <em>medicine</em> physicians</strong> are often primary care doctors. They can provide a complete medical exam to assess all health issues, related or not to alcohol. They can also offer brief counseling to help motivate patients to make a change.</li> <li><strong>Addiction <em>psychiatrists</em></strong> are experts in mental health. They are well prepared to care for patients with more than one mental health issue. Some provide both medications and talk therapy while others focus mainly on medications.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>How do I search for an addiction doctor?</strong></h3> <p>You can find addiction doctors through boards that certify these specialists. Two of these boards have search tools: the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).</p> <div class="flex-box"> <div class="flex--box_width"> <div class="button button--blue button--search button-with-thumbnail--button button--left" style="max-width:400px!important; width: 110%;"><a href="https://acaam.memberclicks.net/find-a-physician#/" target="_blank">Start Your Search Now<br /> With the <strong>ABAM</strong> Directory</a></div> <div class="button button--blue button--search button-with-thumbnail--button button--left" style="max-width:400px!important; width: 110%;"><a href="https://application.abpn.com/verifycert/verifyCert.asp?a=4" target="_blank">Start Your Search Now<br /> With the <strong>ABPN</strong> Directory</a></div> </div> <div class="flex--box_width"> <p style="margin-top: -10px !important;">Find doctors board certified in <strong>addiction medicine</strong>.<BR /><BR /></p> <p style="margin-top: -15px !important;">Find board-certified <strong>addiction psychiatrists</strong> for mental health care.</p> </div> </div> <p>We recommend that you search both directories so you can find more options in your area. Search tips:</p> <ul> <li>For both directories, search by state as a first step. Enter your state only, without entering your city. This will allow you to see the big picture in your state. Keep in mind that providers across your state may be able to provide telehealth services.</li> <li>For the ABPN directory, scroll down to “Board Certified Physician Search.” Under “State/Area,” select your state. Beneath your state, under “Certification,” select “Addiction Psychiatry” in the list of “Subspecialties.” Then click the Search button.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What questions should I ask?</strong></p> <p>See the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions#topic-10-recommended-question">recommended questions</a></span> to ask addiction doctors in Step 2. We also offer some “best case” answers to listen for. You will not need to ask a board-certified addiction doctor about qualifications. You can focus largely on services offered, availability, costs, and insurance.</p> <p><strong>How can I spot quality?</strong></p> <p>Board certification is a sign of quality. Specialists who are board certified have thousands of hours of training and practice. They have passed a long and difficult exam. And they must continue to take training courses to keep their certification.</p> <p>Still, to help your search in general, see the Navigator’s summary of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care">five signs of quality alcohol treatment</a></span>. We also help you spot quality in the “Why you should ask” and “What to listen for” sections for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/questions-for-addiction-doctors">recommended questions</a></span>.</p> <p><strong>What if I can’t find an addiction doctor who meets my needs? </strong></p> <p>See the <a href="/FAQs-searching-alcohol-treatment#topic-what-if-i-cannot-find-addiction-doctors-nearby">Frequently Asked Questions</a> for helpful suggestions. Also, be sure to look for the other types of treatment providers—<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href= "/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions">therapists with addiction specialties</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask#search-programs">alcohol treatment programs</a></span>.</p> <p style="font-size: .8em"><em>NIAAA cannot endorse any treatment providers nor be responsible for the options ultimately chosen. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator® cannot ensure that the search process will deliver higher-quality treatment providers in your vicinity who are using evidence-based approaches. In addition, the search tools on the Navigator may not capture every possible higher-quality treatment provider in your vicinity.</em></p> </div> <button id="doctors" class="step1-navigation--button" aria-label="Search for Program">Search for Doctors Now <i class="fas fa-sort-down" title="Expandable menu" aria-hidden="true" role="img"></i></button> <hr /> </div> </div> </div> <nav class="book-navigation"> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions" hreflang="en">Step 2 - Ask 10 Recommended Questions</a> </li> </ul>  <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment" rel="prev" title="Go to previous page" class="page-previous book-navigation--button book-navigation--previous"> <span class="book-navigation--button--label"><span class="book-navigation--button--arrow-l"></span>Previous</span> <span class="book-navigation--button--title">How to Find Quality Alcohol Treatment</span></a>  <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions" rel="next" title="Go to next page" class="page-next book-navigation--button book-navigation--next"> <span class="book-navigation--button--label">Next<span class="book-navigation--button--arrow-r"></span></span> <span class="book-navigation--button--title">Step 2 - Ask 10 Recommended Questions</span></a> </nav> </div> </div> </article> <aside id="sidebar-second" > <div class="region region-sidebar-second"> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-mainmenu-2-menu" id="block-mainmenu-2" class="sidebar-nav block block-menu navigation menu--main"> <h2 class="visually-hidden" id="block-mainmenu-2-menu">Main menu</h2> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item menu-item--expanded menu-item--active-trail menu-item--active"> <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-1-search-trusted-sources-to-find-providers" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9" class="is-active">Step 1: SEARCH Trusted Sources</a> <ul class="menu"> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="#search-programs" title="Anchor link"> Search for Programs </a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="#search-spacialties" title="Anchor link">Search for Therapists </a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="#search-doctors">Search for Doctors </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="menu-item menu-item--collapsed"> <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/how-to-search-what-to-ask/step-2-ask-10-recommended-questions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/84">Step 2: ASK 10 Questions</a> </li> <li class="menu-item"> <a href="/how-to-find-alcohol-treatment/step-3-choose-quality-care" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/85">Step 3: CHOOSE Quality Care</a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div id="block-navigator-block-20" class="block--warning block block-block-content block-block-content9c7c3179-5cf6-4aca-9add-ca7dfa7dd68a"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="block--warning-wrapper"> <div class="block--warning-text"> <p class="inner-text"><strong>Medical emergency? 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