Co-OP is an ASAM Level 1.0, evening, abstinence-based program aimed at supporting those who experience problems related to both substance use and mental health issues. The purpose of the program is to help you achieve abstinence, sobriety, and recovery from alcohol and substance use, avoid or manage returns to use, and to stabilize common mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

This comprehensive, multi-format program includes: group-based education and counseling; individual therapy; family/support system education; and building social support. The program incorporates evidence-based resources and trauma-informed approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, Sexual Health in Recovery, the Matrix Model, and relapse prevention.

Your time in the program will be spent attending a combination of daytime individual therapy and evening therapy/education groups. The program length and content will be tailored to your individual treatment needs. You may attend a different combination of groups (up to 3 groups per week), depending on your treatment plan. Most people in the program attend more groups at the beginning of their treatment and then taper to fewer as they progress.

Evidence suggests that clients enrolled in substance use treatment who also participate in self-help recovery programs (like AA, NA, CMA, SMART Recovery, etc.), are more successful at achieving long-term abstinence and building a sober social support system, than clients who do not participate in self-help programs. Self-help program attendance is encouraged, but not required.

The option for sexual health-related therapy and a re-engagement after a return to use group (Treatment Stabilization) help ensure that we provide you with the best and most culturally competent care we can.

There are two ways to learn more about the Co-occurring Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment program and to begin the screening process:

1. Current medical patients can speak directly with their medical provider about connecting to services. Just let your provider know that you would like to speak with a Behavioral Health Specialist.
2. Non-patients of the health center can get information about services and schedule a screening by calling Jennifer Loken, Manager of Substance Use Treatment Services, 202-797-4453.

Format: evening, abstinence-based, mostly groups

Location: Co-occurring Outpatient (Co-OP) Substance Use Treatment is provided at Whitman-Walker at 1525 – Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, ALL groups are currently being provided virtually. Individual therapy has the option for virtual or in-person daytime sessions.