Seeking help for addiction in the Philadelphia suburbs requires finding a provider who offers the right combination of expertise, approach, and accessibility. The suburban counties surrounding Philadelphia offer numerous outpatient addiction treatment options, but finding the one that best fits your needs requires careful consideration. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important decision.
Understanding Outpatient Addiction Treatment Options
Before beginning your search, understand the different levels of outpatient care:
- Standard Outpatient Programs (OP): Usually 1-2 sessions per week
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Typically 3-4 sessions weekly, 2-4 hours each
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Daily treatment (5-7 days/week) for several hours, but you return home each night
Assessing Your Specific Needs
Consider:
- The substance(s) involved in your addiction
- Whether you need medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- If you require dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Your schedule constraints and transportation options
- Whether you prefer group-based or individual-focused treatment
Insurance and Payment Options
Start with your coverage:
- Contact your insurance provider for in-network addiction treatment providers
- Ask about coverage limits for different levels of outpatient care
- Inquire about authorization requirements and number of covered sessions
- For those without insurance, ask providers about sliding scale fees or payment plans
Finding Providers in the Philadelphia Suburbs
County-Specific Resources
Montgomery County
- Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs can provide referrals
- Providers in communities like Abington, Norristown, and Plymouth Meeting
Delaware County
- Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health offers resources and referrals
- Treatment centers in Media, Upper Darby, and surrounding areas
Chester County
- Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services
- Providers in West Chester, Exton, and Phoenixville
Bucks County
- Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission can help with referrals
- Treatment options in Doylestown, Langhorne, and surrounding communities
Online Research Methods
- SAMHSA’s treatment locator (findtreatment.gov)
- Psychology Today’s addiction treatment provider directory
- Pennsylvania’s Get Help Now website and hotline (1-800-662-HELP)
- Local hospital networks with addiction treatment programs
Evaluating Potential Providers
Important factors to consider:
- Accreditation and licensing
- Treatment approaches and philosophy
- Staff credentials and specializations
- Success rates and outcomes (if available)
- Typical length of treatment programs
- Aftercare planning and support
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
- What evidence-based treatments do you offer?
- Do you provide medication-assisted treatment if needed?
- How do you handle co-occurring mental health disorders?
- What is your approach to relapse prevention?
- How do you involve family in the recovery process?
- What aftercare support do you provide?
Making Your Decision
Consider scheduling initial consultations with your top choices to assess:
- How comfortable you feel with the staff
- The facility environment
- Whether their approach aligns with your recovery goals
- Practical considerations like location and scheduling flexibility
