Recovery doesn’t end when the most intense stages of treatment are over. The outpatient program (OP) at The Carter Treatment Center gives you ongoing support as you continue building stability, confidence, and independence in sobriety.
OP is the lowest-intensity level of clinical care in our treatment continuum, but it still offers structured guidance, professional support, and a safe space to stay connected to recovery. This level is often the final step before transitioning into long-term aftercare, alumni support, or individual therapy.
We offer OP at both of our metro Atlanta locations, making continued recovery accessible no matter where you live in the area.
Maintain recovery and sobriety with our outpatient program. We’re ready to help you thrive.
Outpatient treatment is designed for people who no longer need daily or multi-day support but still want clinical care, accountability, and a space to check in about their recovery. OP provides structure without overwhelming your schedule, allowing you to work, go to school, care for your family, and move forward in life while maintaining access to professional care.
OP typically includes:
Outpatient care gives you room to grow and maintain your sobriety.
You may be a good fit for OP if:
OP is often the “maintenance stage” of treatment, where people move from surviving to rebuilding, and eventually, thriving.
Every person’s treatment plan is customized, but most OP experiences include:
One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to work through stress, relationships, relapse triggers, and long-term recovery goals.
Some OP clients benefit from peer-based therapy groups that reinforce accountability, community, and shared experience.
If you live with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns, you’ll continue receiving integrated care — not just addiction treatment in isolation.
Treatment may include topics like stress management, healthy habits, communication skills, emotional regulation, and boundary-setting.
As you become more independent, we help you recognize early warning signs, build safety plans, and strengthen sober decision-making.
Unlike higher levels of care, OP gives you space to practice recovery in the real world — with support if things get stressful, complicated, or overwhelming.
All levels of care at The Carter Treatment Center use evidence-based, person-centered treatment. OP may include:
Clients who are prescribed medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol or opioid addiction may continue receiving medication management during OP.
OP isn’t “less treatment.” It’s the right amount of treatment at the right time. Research shows that the longer a person stays connected to care, the stronger their chance of lasting recovery.
Outpatient treatment helps you:
Recovery doesn’t end at discharge. It grows with continued support.
There is no set timeline for OP. Some people stay at this level for a few months. Others stay connected for a year or more. The length depends on:
Some clients move from OP into alumni support. Others continue meeting with a therapist after program completion. There is no “one right way.” The goal is not to graduate fast. It’s to stay safe, strong, and sober.
Outpatient care is an important milestone in recovery, but it isn’t the final step. Once you’ve built a strong foundation in OP, the focus shifts from treatment to long-term support, stability, and confidence in sober living.
Every person’s next step is different, but most people continue strengthening their recovery through ongoing services, community resources, and structured follow-up care.
Most people transition into:
These steps help you stay grounded, connected, and supported as real-life responsibilities return and recovery becomes part of your daily routine. OP is not the end of treatment — it’s the bridge into a healthier life, where you continue growing, healing, and building a future you can feel proud of. You won’t walk that path alone. We’ll help you stay supported every step of the way.
Outpatient treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions offers one of the most accessible and flexible treatment options both nationally and here in Georgia.
Whether you’re in Alpharetta, Jefferson, Cumming, Buford, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, or anywhere nearby, outpatient care is within reach.
You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to diagnose yourself. That’s our job. We’ll help you understand whether OP is the right fit, or if you need PHP, IOP, or early intervention instead.
Your recovery isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s. It just has to begin, and then continue one step at a time.
You can find us at the following Atlanta-area locations:
The outpatient program at The Carter Treatment Center offers continued therapy and recovery support for individuals who have completed higher levels of care like PHP or IOP. It’s a flexible option that helps you maintain progress while managing work, school, or family responsibilities.
OP is designed for individuals who are stable in their recovery and ready for greater independence, yet still benefit from professional guidance and accountability. It’s ideal for those who want ongoing counseling, relapse prevention, and access to community resources.
Clients in OP attend therapy sessions on a flexible schedule. Treatment may include individual counseling, group therapy, and check-ins with clinical staff for continued medication management or emotional support. Focus areas often include goal setting, communication, stress management, and building healthy habits.
Session frequency depends on your personal needs and treatment plan. Some clients attend weekly, while others meet a few times each month. The goal is to maintain connection and structure while giving you space to apply recovery skills in real life.
Our outpatient program is available at both Alpharetta and Jefferson, Georgia, locations, serving clients throughout metro Atlanta. You’ll find a supportive team and flexible scheduling that make continued recovery both convenient and effective.
Call (470) 616-7274 or contact us online to learn more about our programs and services, verify insurance, or start the admissions process.
You’ve already come this far. You don’t have to stop now. Let us walk with you as you move forward, one day, one choice, one victory at a time.
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