Intensive addiction treatment for teens

We treat a wide range of substance use and behavioral (process) addictions. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and other substances (Available for teens 15+)
• Gambling, gaming, internet use, and other behavioral addictions (Available for teens 13+)

Our Clinical Admissions Team will work closely with your family to determine the right next steps and ensure your teen is placed in the most appropriate level of care. You can reach out at any time to get started or ask questions.

Please note: If your teen is experiencing a substance use disorder and requires detox, that step will need to happen before starting care at Charlie Health, as we do not provide detox services. However, we can be a strong next step in supporting your teen as they transition back into daily life after detox, and our team is always here to help you find the right level of care at every stage of the recovery process.

Our program typically lasts 6-12 weeks; your teen’s exact discharge date will depend on their overall treatment progress. Their Primary Therapist will help determine the appropriate discharge date based on their needs.

To get started, reach out today.

This program is built for teens ages 13-17 who need more support than weekly therapy can provide, but don’t require inpatient care or medical detox. It may be right for your child if they’re struggling with substance use (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and others) or a process/behavior addiction (gambling, gaming, internet, and others), and their behavior is impacting school, relationships, or mental health. Most teens in our program are also navigating anxiety, depression, or trauma — and we treat all of it together.

They can still get meaningful support. Some teens coming in with substance use addictions are ready to stop, while others are just looking to evaluate their relationship with these substances – and both are valid starting points. After their intake session, our Clinical Admissions Team will determine if your teen is a good fit for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and then will place them in one of two tracks (abstinence-based or harm reduction) based on where they are in recovery and what they need. If your teen is placed in the harm-reduction track, we’ll help them build awareness, moderate use, and make safer choices while working toward longer-term change. If their goals evolve, their treatment can evolve with them.

Absolutely! Virtual IOP can be just as effective as in-person care, helping teenagers see real improvements in day-to-day functioning. Many people actually find it easier to stick with treatment from home, which can make a big difference in their progress. And for a lot of teens, being in a familiar environment helps them feel more comfortable, supported, and able to fully engage in care.

Virtual SUD treatment is available for teens 15+ and combines structure, accountability, and real-life application, all from home. Your child will participate in group sessions, individual therapy, and other services like psychiatry or recovery coaching, depending on their needs.

And because your child is in their regular environment while in treatment, they can immediately apply what they’re learning.

Virtual process or behavior addiction treatment combines structure, personalized care, and real-life application, all from home. Your child will participate in group sessions, individual therapy, and other services like psychiatry, depending on their needs.

And because your child is in their regular environment while in treatment, they can immediately apply what they’re learning.

Teens receive 10+ hours of care each week across multiple touchpoints. That includes three 3-hour group sessions, one individual therapy session, and access to additional services like family therapy. Depending on clinical need, teens may also receive psychiatry, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), drug testing, and recovery coaching. All services are coordinated through one care team, so treatment feels connected.

Groups are intentionally small (typically 6-8 people total) so they feel more personal, making it easier to open up. Each teen is placed with peers of a similar age who are navigating challenges that feel relevant to their own, helping create a space that feels safe, supportive, and genuinely relatable.

Sessions are structured but interactive, blending open conversation with skill-building and hands-on activities. Teens learn practical tools to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and build healthier patterns in their day-to-day lives.

• Teens working through substance use are placed in either a harm reduction or abstinence-based group, depending on their goals and where they are in their recovery. Harm reduction groups support teens who aren’t ready to stop completely but want to reduce use and make safer choices, while abstinence-based groups focus on building a substance-free life and long-term recovery skills.
• For teens navigating process or behavioral addictions, placement is based on their individual needs and the underlying factors contributing to their experience, ensuring they’re in a group that supports meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of group sessions, each teen is also matched with a Primary Therapist who has experience supporting their specific challenges, providing individualized care alongside the group experience.

Yes, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available for teens 16+, when clinically appropriate. Our psychiatry team can prescribe and manage medications like naltrexone for certain substance use disorders, while coordinating closely with the rest of your teen’s care team.

Medication availability depends on state regulations, but when offered, it’s fully integrated into treatment.

Drug testing is built into the program for teens with substance use disorders to support accountability without adding stress or stigma. Teens complete at-home oral fluid tests through our partner You Are Accountable (YAA), using a secure app that verifies identity and timing with AI, and results are typically available within minutes. Unlike some traditional methods, this approach avoids invasive testing and focuses on supporting recovery.

Caregivers are a core part of treatment. You have the option to participate in weekly family therapy using approaches like Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) and motivational interviewing (MI), which are specifically designed for addiction recovery. These sessions help you understand your teenager’s triggers, shift communication patterns, and build structure and accountability at home.

Yes, recovery coaching is available as an additional layer of support for teens with substance use addictions. They can work one-on-one with someone who has lived experience, offering practical guidance, accountability, and support between sessions. For many people, that consistent connection outside of therapy helps build momentum in recovery.

That’s the norm, not the exception, and it’s built into our treatment approach. Your teen’s Primary Therapist addresses both addictive behaviors and mental health at the same time, using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). Treatment plans are personalized to address underlying drivers of addiction, not just the behavior.

Yes, teens have access to a full wraparound support system. That can include recovery coaching (1:1 support from someone with lived experience), Care Coaches for additional support during treatment, and 24/7 crisis resources if needed. These layers are designed to keep teens supported both inside and outside of sessions.

Discharge planning starts before your teen finishes treatment, so there’s a clear next step. That might include outpatient therapy, psychiatry, recovery coaching, or local support. Teens can also join our Alumni Program, which includes ongoing groups, peer connection, and moderated online communities, helping them stay connected and continue building on what they started in treatment.