Levels of Care For Substance Abuse Treatment At Alpas Northern Virginia
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Level of Care for Addiction and Dual Diagnosis
The road to recovery demands the right level of care tailored to each person’s unique journey. That’s why Alpas Wellness’ comprehensive treatment approach follows the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria – the most widely respected standards for placement, continued service, and transfer of patients struggling with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Through our biophilic, home-like environment, we’ve created a healing space where professional expertise meets genuine compassion, moving away from institutional settings to foster true recovery.
Your path to healing deserves precision and care. Our ASAM treatment levels range from detoxification to residential care, with each level addressing specific needs through multidimensional assessments considering your biomedical, psychological, and social circumstances. Alpas provides a comprehensive healing experience with specialized care teams, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to treating every person with respect and integrity.
Detox Placement
Medical detoxification provides a safe foundation for recovery. The specialized team monitors withdrawal symptoms around the clock with a low nurse-to-patient ratio to ensure complete and effective care for each client.
This ASAM level 3.7 service addresses both substance use detoxification and withdrawal management for patients with co-occurring medical conditions, creating the essential first step toward healing in a supportive, home-like environment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The Intensive Outpatient Program delivers flexible care within the addiction treatment continuum. This ASAM-aligned option maintains structured treatment for substance use disorders while patients continue their daily responsibilities.
IOP functions both as a direct entry point and as a step-down option from higher levels of care, like detoxification or residential treatment. Clinicians and healthcare providers address SUD concerns alongside mental health needs during sessions three to four times weekly. This treatment level balances independence with professional guidance, creating sustainable wellness paths without requiring 24-hour care.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial Hospitalization provides structured treatment for substance use disorders at a higher intensity than IOP while allowing patients to return home each evening. This ASAM-designated level of care offers comprehensive day treatment with clinical services closely resembling residential care. PHP delivers evidence-based therapy, medication management, and specialized treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders five to seven days weekly, typically for six hours per day.
Medical professionals monitor patients regularly during treatment hours, addressing both addiction and behavioral health needs through a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment process includes individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and education on recovery skills development. PHP serves as an effective step-down from residential treatment or detoxification, and connects patients with community support systems for sustained recovery.
What Are the ASAM Criteria?
The ASAM Criteria provide the most widely used and comprehensive set of standards for addiction treatment placement, continued service, and transfer of patients.[1] These criteria establish a patient-centered framework that determines appropriate levels of care based on multidimensional assessments examining biomedical, psychological, and social needs. From detoxification services (Level 3.7) requiring 24-hour medical monitoring to less intensive options like Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), the ASAM criteria create a standardized structure to guide healthcare providers through the continuum of addiction treatment.
Developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, these criteria organize treatment into a scale ranging from 0.5 (early intervention) to 4 (medically managed intensive inpatient).[2] Each level specifies required staffing, service intensity, and setting characteristics. For patients at Alpas Wellness, this means receiving the right level of care at the right time. The ASAM framework ensures treatment adapts as recovery progresses, with regular reassessments guiding transitions between levels of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Levels of Care at Alpas Wellness
What levels of treatment does Alpas Wellness offer for substance use disorders?
Alpas Wellness provides a comprehensive continuum of care following the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria. Our treatment options include placement for medically monitored detoxification services (Level 3.7) for safe withdrawal management, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for structured day treatment, and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for those who need flexibility while maintaining daily responsibilities. Each level addresses both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns through evidence-based approaches.
How do I know which level of care is right for my loved one?
The right level of care depends on several factors, including withdrawal potential, medical needs, and behavioral health considerations. Alpas healthcare providers conduct a comprehensive evaluation using ASAM criteria to assess these dimensions. Someone experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms may require detoxification services first, while others might start directly in residential treatment. For those with strong support systems and less severe impairments, outpatient services like PHP or IOP might provide sufficient structure. The treatment process often involves moving through multiple levels, stepping down as recovery skills develop.
Does Alpas Wellness treat co-occurring disorders alongside addiction?
Yes, Alpas Wellness specializes in treating co-occurring disorders throughout all levels of care. Our integrated treatment approach addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously rather than as separate issues. Medical professionals and behavioral health specialists collaborate to create comprehensive treatment plans that consider how these conditions interact. Treatment includes medication management when appropriate, specialized therapy approaches, and education on how mental health affects recovery.
What happens after completing a treatment program at Alpas?
Recovery continues long after leaving a treatment facility. Alpas Wellness creates individualized discharge plans focused on sustaining long-term recovery through lower levels of care and community support.
Depending on needs, patients may step down from residential treatment to PHP or IOP while developing stronger recovery skills. Follow-up services include connections to community support groups, ongoing therapy options, family therapy sessions, and recovery coaching. Our aftercare coordination ensures a smooth transition between levels of care, preventing gaps in treatment that might lead to relapse.
American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2022). About the ASAM Criteria. American Society of Addiction Medicine. https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria on May 7, 2025
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2016). Chapter 3. Intensive Outpatient Treatment and the Continuum of Care. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64088/ on May 7, 2025