ASAM Levels of Care: A Better Life Treatment Options

ASAM Criteria

Understanding ASAM Levels of Care

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria provide evidence-based guidelines for matching patients to appropriate levels of addiction treatment based on six assessment dimensions.

Level 0.5

Early Intervention Services

Prevention and early intervention services for individuals at risk of developing substance use disorders or in the early stages of problematic use.

Target Population: At-risk individuals, mild substance use concerns

Services: Screening, education, brief interventions, referral

Duration: 1-4 sessions typically

Setting: Community-based, workplace, healthcare settings

Our Level 0.5 Services Include:

• Substance use screening and assessment
• Educational workshops and seminars
• Brief motivational interviewing
• Risk reduction counseling
• Referral to appropriate care levels

Level 1

Outpatient Services

Less intensive outpatient treatment for individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders who need regular therapeutic support.

Schedule: Less than 9 hours per week

Services: Individual & group counseling, psychoeducation

Duration: 3-6 months typically

Flexibility: Accommodates work/school schedule

Our Level 1 Services Include:

• Individual addiction counseling
• Small group therapy sessions
• Relapse prevention planning
• Family counseling and education
• Recovery skills development

Level 2.1

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Structured, intensive treatment for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient care but don’t require 24-hour supervision.

Schedule: 9+ hours per week (typically 3 days/week)

Services: Comprehensive therapy, skills training, peer support

Duration: 12-16 weeks typically

Living: Remain at home or sober living

Our Level 2.1 Services Include:

• Multi-modal group therapy
• Individual counseling sessions
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family therapy and couples counseling
• Trauma-informed care

Level 2.5

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Highly structured day treatment program providing intensive therapeutic services while allowing patients to return home in the evenings.

Schedule: 20+ hours per week (typically 5 days/week)

Services: Intensive therapy, medical support, psychiatric care

Duration: 2-8 weeks typically

Support: Medical and psychiatric oversight

Our Level 2.5 Services Include:

• Intensive daily therapy programming
• Medical and psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Transition planning to lower levels

Evidence-Based Treatment

Our Therapeutic Approaches

We utilize proven, evidence-based treatment modalities across all ASAM levels to ensure the highest quality of care for our clients.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.

Used in: All ASAM levels
Focus: Skill-building, relapse prevention, coping strategies

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Client-centered approach that enhances motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

Used in: Levels 0.5, 1, and 2.1
Focus: Building motivation, readiness for change

Group Therapy

Peer support and shared experiences in a therapeutic group setting to build recovery skills.

Used in: Levels 1, 2.1, and 2.5
Focus: Peer support, social skills, accountability

Trauma-Informed Care

Recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic stress on individuals in recovery.

Used in: All ASAM levels
Focus: Safety, healing, empowerment

Family Therapy

Involves family members in the recovery process to improve communication and relationships.

Used in: Levels 1, 2.1, and 2.5
Focus: Family dynamics, communication, support

Medication-Assisted Treatment

FDA-approved medications combined with counseling for opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Used in: Levels 2.1 and 2.5
Focus: Medical support, craving reduction

Integrated Treatment Philosophy

Individualized Care Plans

Every client receives a personalized treatment plan based on comprehensive assessment across the six ASAM dimensions:

Acute intoxication and withdrawal potential
Biomedical conditions and complications
Emotional, behavioral, and cognitive conditions

Continuous Assessment

We regularly evaluate progress and adjust treatment intensity based on:

Readiness to change
Relapse, continued use, or continued problem potential
Recovery/living environment

Treatment Placement

Finding the Right Level of Care

Our clinical team uses comprehensive assessment tools to determine the most appropriate ASAM level for your unique situation and needs.

Assessment Process

Initial Screening

Brief assessment to identify immediate needs and safety concerns

Comprehensive Assessment

In-depth evaluation using ASAM criteria across all six dimensions

Level Recommendation

Clinical team determines appropriate level and treatment recommendations

Treatment Planning

Collaborative development of individualized treatment goals and plan

Ongoing Review

Regular reassessment to adjust level of care as progress is made

When to Consider Level 0.5

Early signs of problematic substance use
Risk factors present but no current disorder
Workplace or legal referrals

When to Consider Level 1

Mild to moderate substance use disorder
Stable living situation
Good social support system

When to Consider Level 2.1

Moderate to severe substance use disorder
Need structured programming
Step-down from higher level of care

When to Consider Level 2.5

Severe substance use disorder
Need intensive daily structure
Co-occurring mental health conditions

Ready for Your Assessment?

Our experienced clinical team is ready to help determine the right level of care for your recovery journey.

Schedule Your Assessment Today

Comprehensive Treatment Services for Every Stage of Recovery

ASAM Continuum of Care

Care Levels