Levels of Care at The Carter Treatment Center

Finding the right level of addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when every person’s recovery journey looks different. In behavioral healthcare, treatment isn’t one single step. It’s a continuum of care, where each level offers the right amount of support at the right time. Some people need full-time structure before they can safely rebuild. Others are ready for therapy that fits into work, school, and daily life.

At The Carter Treatment Center, we specialize in outpatient addiction treatment designed for real people with real responsibilities. We know you may have a job, a family, a home, and a life you care about. That’s why our levels of care are built to support recovery without requiring you to step away from everything you’ve worked hard for.

Whether you’re just beginning treatment, stepping down from inpatient care, or returning after a relapse, there’s a place for you here. You don’t have to go through this alone. You can get help, stay connected to real life, and start healing today.

Find the right level of care to help break the cycle of addiction. We’re right here and waiting.

Understanding the Continuum of Care

Behavioral health treatment works best when people get the right level of support at the right time. This is called the continuum of care. It means treatment is flexible, personalized, and built to grow with you.

A full continuum of care may include:

  • High-intensity treatment for people who need structure and daily support
  • Step-down levels of care that offer more independence over time
  • Ongoing outpatient care to help people maintain recovery and prevent relapse
  • Early intervention services for people showing signs of substance use before it becomes addiction

At The Carter Treatment Center, we provide four levels of outpatient care that meet you wherever you are on that continuum:

Each level provides a different amount of structure, time commitment, and clinical support. If you aren’t sure where to start, our team will help you decide during your confidential assessment.

Why Outpatient Treatment Matters

Not everyone needs residential or inpatient treatment to begin recovery. Many people can make meaningful progress while still living at home and staying connected to family, work, and school. Outpatient care gives you the tools and support you need while helping you practice real-life recovery skills as you go.

Outpatient treatment can help you:

  • Stay close to your support system
  • Build healthy routines outside of treatment
  • Apply coping skills in the real world right away
  • Maintain responsibilities while still receiving care
  • Transition smoothly after inpatient treatment or relapse

You don’t have to disappear from your life to rebuild it. You just need the right level of support.

Our Levels of Care Fit the metro Atlanta Lifestyle

1. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is our most structured outpatient program. It offers full-day treatment with clinical therapy, recovery education, mental health support, and daily check-ins. PHP is best for people who need extra stability before stepping into lower levels of care.

  • Full-day schedule, Monday–Friday
  • Ideal for those stepping down from inpatient detox or rehab
  • Includes group therapy, individual therapy, and relapse prevention work
  • You return home each night, so you can stay connected to family and support

2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP offers structured treatment several days per week, while still giving you time for work, family, school, and personal responsibilities. It’s a strong step-down from PHP or a starting point for people who don’t need full-day care.

  • Therapy multiple times per week
  • Strong focus on emotional regulation, coping skills, and relapse prevention
  • Supports people balancing recovery with family and work life
  • May include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate

3. Outpatient Treatment Program (OP)

OP is designed for people who no longer need intensive treatment but still benefit from weekly counseling, accountability, and peer support. This level helps you stay connected to recovery while practicing independence.

  • Weekly individual or group sessions
  • Continued support for relapse prevention and mental health
  • Often used after completing PHP or IOP
  • A good fit for people rebuilding routines and confidence

4. Early Intervention Program (ASAM Level .5)

This level is for people who may not meet the criteria for addiction yet, but are showing signs of substance misuse or emotional distress. Early intervention can stop addiction before it takes hold.

  • Education-based prevention and counseling
  • Helps individuals understand risk factors and behavior patterns
  • Reduces the need for higher levels of care later
  • Supports teens, young adults, working adults, and anyone noticing early warning signs

What All Levels of Care Have in Common at The Carter Treatment Center

No matter which level of care you enter, you’ll receive support that’s:

  • Evidence-based: We use therapies backed by research
  • Personalized: Treatment is built around your goals, not a template
  • Compassionate: We treat every person with respect and dignity
  • Flexible: Programs adapt to your progress and life needs
  • Focused on long-term recovery: We look beyond short-term crisis care

All levels may include individual therapy, group therapy, family support, relapse-prevention planning, and access to specialized services such as:

  • Medication assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Veterans treatment track
  • Sober living supports
  • Dual diagnosis mental health treatment
  • Trauma-informed therapy, such as EMDR

Finding the right level of care and a personalized treatment plan designed for your recovery needs and goals offers the best chance of enhancing your physical and mental well-being.

How to Know Which Level Is Right for You

Choosing a level of care doesn’t have to be confusing. During your confidential assessment, one of our clinical team members will talk with you about:

  • Your history with substances
  • Any mental health symptoms
  • Your home and support environment
  • Your recovery goals
  • Any past treatment experiences
  • Your schedule and responsibilities

From there, we’ll recommend the level of care that feels most appropriate. You’ll also be able to move up or down levels based on your progress. Recovery isn’t a straight line, and we’re here to help you adjust your treatment as life changes.

Levels of Care: By the Numbers

Across the United States, many people need structured addiction treatment but never receive it. Levels of care like PHP, IOP, OP, and early intervention exist to close that gap.

Together, these statistics highlight an urgent and increasing need for behavioral health support in Georgia and throughout the United States.

Find the Right Level of Care Near You in Georgia

Whether you’re unsure where to begin, ready to enroll today, or helping a loved one find support, we’re here to guide the next step.

You can find us at two convenient metro Atlanta locations:

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse before you get help. The right time to start is now. We’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll walk beside you as you begin rebuilding your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Levels of Care

1. What are the different levels of care at The Carter Treatment Center?

We offer four main levels of care: partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), outpatient treatment (OP), and early intervention (ASAM Level 0.5). Each provides a different level of structure and support so clients can move forward at their own pace.

Our team will meet with you for a confidential assessment to understand your history, symptoms, and goals. We’ll recommend the level that offers the right balance of structure and flexibility to help you recover safely and effectively.

Yes. Most clients begin in a higher level, such as PHP or IOP, and step down as they make progress. This gradual transition helps maintain stability and prevents relapse.

Length varies based on your needs. Some people attend for a few weeks, while others continue for several months. Our team reviews your plan regularly to ensure it matches your progress and comfort level.

All levels of care are available at The Carter Treatment Center’s metro Atlanta locations in Alpharetta and Jefferson, Georgia. Both centers provide convenient access to therapy, medication management, and supportive community resources.

Begin Your Journey to Recovery Today

The Carter Treatment Center offers comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment for a variety of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. You are not alone. Our caring team of professionals is ready to help you or a loved one discover the path to recovery.