Level of Care 2.5 Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT/PHP)
What is Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment?
In North Carolina, the Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment program (SACOT) is the state’s version of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), a highly structured, ASAM Level 2.5 level of care that bridges the gap between inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, SACOT follows specific North Carolina state licensing and regulatory guidelines for substance use treatment programs, ensuring compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services standards.
At Next Step Recovery in Asheville, NC, our SACOT/PHP program provides recovery-focused intensive daytime treatment for men recovering from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Clients participate in five days per week of clinical therapy, group sessions, and relapse-prevention work, while returning home or to supportive housing in the evenings.
Unlike traditional Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offered in other states, our SACOT/PHP integrates both medical and behavioral health components under North Carolina’s regulatory framework, making it more comprehensive, recovery-focused, and tailored for men ages 18 and older who need a high level of structure but are ready to begin reintegrating into daily life.
Who Can Benefit from SACOT/PHP?
SACOT/PHP is ideal for men who need intensive addiction treatment and ongoing clinical support, but with the flexibility to return home or to supportive housing after daily sessions. This level of care is especially beneficial for those balancing family or work responsibilities while still requiring structured, evidence-based addiction-focused therapy to sustain recovery.
Our SACOT/PHP program is well-suited for men 18 and older transitioning from inpatient rehab, detox, or residential treatment who are ready for more independence but still need daily therapeutic engagement and accountability.
When determining if SACOT/PHP is the right fit, our clinical team considers factors such as your addiction history, drug of choice, mental health needs, relapse risk, and recovery goals. At Next Step Recovery in Asheville, NC, each client receives a personalized treatment plan that promotes healing, self-awareness, and long-term sobriety.
SACOT/PHP & Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Working Together in One Comprehensive 90-Day Program
At Next Step Recovery, our Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT/PHP), with our addiction-focused Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) works together as part of an integrated 90-day addiction treatment program for men.
Rather than separate levels of care, our combined model provides a seamless continuum of treatment that balances structure with flexibility. Clients participate in daily therapy, group counseling, life-skills training, and relapse-prevention work designed to address both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
This clinically driven approach ensures consistent support, accountability, and progress throughout recovery, helping men build confidence, emotional stability, and long-term sobriety in a safe, structured environment.
What Can I Expect From Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT)?
During Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment, clients will visit our facility 5 days per week, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. The average day during SACOT/PHP includes:
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Educational course on relapse prevention & life skills
- Periodic evaluations
- Music & art therapy
- Yoga & Meditation
- 12-Step immersion
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma & grief counseling
Developing support systems is essential for recovery. For those participating in SACOT/PHP, it is strongly recommended that clients return home to a supportive, healthy, and drug-free environment. Having people that love and support you during treatment can be the difference between a successful and difficult recovery journey.
Therapeutic Modalities
Various forms of therapy are offered during Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment at Next Step Recovery, including group therapy, individual therapy, DBT, CBT, and more. These therapeutic modalities are extremely effective in the addiction recovery process as it helps men uncover any underlying issues contributing to their addiction and open the door to healing.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses on helping clients understand and regulate their emotions. Focused areas include emotional control, mental mindfulness, and behavioral health performance.
Fundamentally, DBT focuses its practice on radically accepting processes in which clients learn to accept their feelings without judgment. Our team of mental health professionals plays an essential role in DBT.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is where a client works with a licensed therapist to diagnose the root cause of their substance abuse issues. Therapeutically, clients can reduce negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthy, positive habits. These therapeutic techniques help clients understand the challenges they are facing and develop the tools to prevent a relapse in the future.
Is Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment Right For Me?
If you are looking for a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program that also addresses your mental health needs with the flexibility to return home at the end of each treatment session, then SACOT/PHP is an excellent option. SACOT/PHP offers everything that a residential treatment program would have aside from room and board. It may be ideal for most patients to receive residential care, but it might be unrealistic for others. It is important to remember that each individual has unique needs, which depend on various factors.
SACOT/PHP is also an ideal option for those who have recently completed an inpatient treatment program and are looking to start another, lower level of addiction and mental health treatment.
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Medically Reviewed By Susan Stader MS, LCMH, LCAS, CCS
Susan Stader is the founder and director of Next Step Recovery and NSR of Asheville, an Intensive Outpatient Program and a Long-term Extended Care program in Asheville, NC. She received her Master’s in Community Counseling in 2004 at Western Carolina University and went on to get her licensure in addictions and mental health counseling. Susan believes that treatment should be gender-specific and offered in a small setting. Small recovery communities, such as hers, are more intimate and effective in overall client satisfaction and care.
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Recovery is a lifelong journey, but you don’t need to take it alone. At Next Step Recovery, we give you the tools and support you need to get through early sobriety and find lasting healing. It is our goal to empower our patients to be their best selves and live the life they deserve.
If you have any questions about our programs, methods, insurance, or anything else, reach out to us today. We look forward to helping you to get started along the road to recovery!
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