Alternative Counseling Services

The Basics

Alternative Counseling Services offers substance abuse and mental health support to those living in Washington state, with locations in Edmonds and Kent.  Both facilities provide Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and standard outpatient options using CBT in group and individual therapy sessions. Mental health services are also available as a separate treatment path that can supplement substance abuse treatment. Though these facilities cater largely to court-ordered clientele, voluntary clients are also welcome.

Treatment and Staff

ACS clients begin treatment by completing assessments with chemical dependency counselors. After assessment, individualized treatment plans are created to set goals fitting each client’s needs. Each participant has an individual therapy session with their counselor at least once every 30 days. These sessions serve as a check-in time as well as a  safe space to discuss personal issues. Those in need of medication management are offered referrals upon request.

IOP requires clients to attend at least three group therapy sessions a week, each lasting two hours. The Kent facility offers group sessions at various hours throughout the day from Monday through Saturday. Monday sessions are held from 10 am to noon and 7 to 9 pm, while Tuesday groups are only held in the evening from 5 to 7 pm and again from 7 to 9 pm. There are three groups on Wednesdays at 2, 5 and 7 pm and on Thursdays at either 10 am or 5:30 pm. Finally, there is a Friday group from 10 am to noon and a Saturday group from 8:30 to 10:30 am.

Those interested in receiving treatment at the Edmonds facility are offered group sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for two hours at a time. The weekday groups meet at 11 am and 6 pm while Saturday groups meet from 9 to 11 am. Topics include communication skills, relapse prevention, anger management, the addiction as disease model and coping skills. Chemical dependency counselors lead groups with a focus on evidence-based treatment including CBT to teach clients the proper tools for a successful recovery. Those in need of less intensive services can attend group sessions once or twice a week.

Mental health counseling services are also available and two mental health therapists are on-site Monday through Friday while the Edmonds facility has a visiting therapist who offers sessions every Tuesday. Staff members specialize in providing mental health support to individuals, families and couples. All the above offer hour-long sessions scheduled as needed. Topics covered in therapy include depression, trauma, domestic violence, social anxiety, marital distress, effective communication and infidelity.

The staff at ACS is composed of certified mental health and addiction counselors.

Extras

ACS currently offers a DUI victim’s panel and an alcohol and drug information school for DUI/DWI offenders at their Kent facility. The DUI panel is held every Saturday at noon for an hour per session. The alcohol and drug information school, on the other hand, is available every second and fourth Saturday of the month starting at 10:30 am for an hour per session. This class is available in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu on select Saturdays. Most services are also available in Russian.

In Summary

At Alternative Counseling Services, those seeking substance abuse and mental health care are offered a range of flexible outpatient services. Though the facility treats many court-ordered clients, all are welcome to participate in individualized treatment plans encompassing many different needs. In all, ACS offers supportive assistance for all interested in taking the necessary steps towards recovery.

Alternative Counseling Services
22727 Hwy 99, Ste. 212
Edmonds, WA 98026

Alternative Counseling Services Cost: $50 per session (group therapy); $100 per session (individual therapy). Reach Alternative Counseling Services by phone at (425) 776-6414.

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