Compare 31255 addiction counselors in San Francisco, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
An initial assessment lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The counselor will ask about your substance use history, including what you use, how much, how often, and when it started. They will screen for co-occurring mental health conditions (depression and anxiety are common alongside addiction) and ask about previous treatment attempts. Based on the assessment, they will recommend a level of care: outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient (9+ hours per week), partial hospitalization, or residential treatment. Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes, and group therapy sessions run 60 to 90 minutes. Most outpatient programs combine individual and group sessions.
Consider seeing an addiction counselor if you are struggling to control your use of alcohol, drugs (prescription or illicit), or behaviors like gambling. Warning signs include needing more of a substance to get the same effect, withdrawal symptoms when you stop, failed attempts to cut back, or substance use causing problems at work, school, or in relationships. You do not need to be at "rock bottom" to benefit from treatment. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Family members affected by a loved one's addiction can also benefit from counseling.
Outpatient session copay: $20-50 with insurance · Intensive outpatient: $250-500/day · Residential treatment: $500-1,000/day · Medication-assisted treatment: $200-500/month
Addiction counselors use motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and structured recovery programs to help you build a sustainable path away from alcohol dependence.
Recovery from opioid or substance dependence requires a combination of counseling, medical support, and community resources. Addiction counselors coordinate this treatment and support you through each phase.
Maintaining recovery is an ongoing process. Addiction counselors teach you to identify triggers, build healthy routines, and develop a response plan for high-risk situations.
Substance use and mental health conditions often occur together. Addiction counselors work with your mental health team to address both issues simultaneously rather than treating them in isolation.
Addiction affects the entire family. Addiction counselors provide family sessions, education about the recovery process, and guidance on setting healthy boundaries.
Insurance coverage for addiction treatment has improved significantly due to parity laws. Most plans cover outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, and residential treatment when medically necessary. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or naltrexone is covered as a pharmacy benefit. Verify your plan covers the specific level of care recommended and whether the provider is in-network. Prior authorization is common for residential treatment. If coverage is denied, appeal the decision, as parity law violations are common and often overturned on appeal.