Athens Outpatient Drug Rehab & Mental Health Center

Change can begin with a clear plan and the right support. Since 1978, Athens Area Commencement Center has provided individualized outpatient care for adults facing alcohol, drug, opioid, and co-occurring mental health concerns. Our outpatient drug addiction rehab & mental health center combines education, group therapy, family involvement, and accountability to help you build a more stable path forward.

Outstanding Addiction & Mental Health Treatment

We serve people across North Georgia who need a structured, respectful place to begin addressing addiction and related mental health concerns. At Athens Area Commencement Center, we believe treatment should reflect current medical understanding while still giving people practical support they can use in daily life.

Our approach focuses on helping you better understand how addiction affects behavior, relationships, and long-term well-being. We create space for education, honest reflection, and recovery-focused connection so you can begin building healthier patterns with clearer direction.

Outpatient Drug Rehab Process

Your recovery and long-term care is important to us. Learn how our outpatient drug addiction rehab & mental health center approaches recovery through structured care, education, and ongoing support.

How Outpatient Treatment Works

Starting treatment can feel unfamiliar, especially when you are managing addiction, mental health concerns, or family stress. Get a closer look at how outpatient treatment for addiction and mental health works.

Meet Our Team

Our team brings together medical, clinical, counseling, pharmacy, and administrative experience to support each stage of outpatient treatment. At Athens Area Commencement Center, we work collaboratively to provide informed care, consistent guidance, and practical support throughout your recovery process.

Jason Brown

Owner and CEO

Patrick Sparks

Business Manager

Farris Johnson

MD - Medical Director

Crissy Walton

CARN, Administrator

Merril A. Norton

Pharm. D., D.Ph., ICCDP-D

Kristin Doster

CARN, Clinical Coordinator

Negin Moon

Pharm D, Pharmacological Advisor

Tia Burkhalter

CAC-I, Lead Counselor/Case Manager

Jim Hinzman

Mac, CCDP-Diplomate, Consultant

Rebecca Henderson

RN, Addiction Counselor

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs in Athens

Adult Outpatient Detox

Adults who are medically stable and meet the appropriate criteria may begin with outpatient detox for alcohol, opioids, or other drugs. Care includes medical oversight, ongoing reassessment, medication support when needed, and clinical guidance throughout withdrawal. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether outpatient detox is a safe fit for your needs.

Adult Day Outpatient Treatment & PHP

Day treatment and partial hospitalization provide intensive support for adults who need a more structured recovery schedule. Programming may include therapy, group support, addiction education, medical and mental health assessment, and planning for continued care while you remain connected to home and community.

Adult Evening Outpatient Treatment

Evening treatment gives adults a way to receive intensive outpatient support while continuing many daytime responsibilities. This format can help you stay engaged in treatment while balancing work, school, or other obligations, with structured sessions and recovery-focused accountability.

Adult Aftercare & Continuum Care

Continued support can help you stay connected after completing a more intensive level of care. Aftercare creates regular space to review challenges, reinforce recovery skills, and maintain accountability as you return to everyday responsibilities.

Certificates & Standards

Our certifications and professional affiliations reflect our commitment to accountable, evidence-based care. They also reflect the quality standards, clinical oversight, and professional excellence that guide the care we provide.

Outpatient Rehab Reviews From Our Community

Hearing from others can make the next step feel more real. These testimonials show how clients and loved ones have experienced the structure, guidance, and long-term support offered through Athens Area Commencement Center.

" Today, in sobriety, I have found a new and wonderful existence. Though life isn’t perfect, it's better than I could have dreamed. I’m not afraid of living life, and I have not had to drink or use for four years now. I was astonished to find out how enjoyable life is with a clear mind and a recovery program that allows me to live with a sense of purpose, dignity and peace. My problems have literally disappeared, and not only has my marriage been restored, but it has greatly improved over what it was even in the early years before alcohol and drugs were a problem. With the AACC, I didn't need to hold onto the old excuses. With their Athens outpatient rehab programs I didn't have to leave my family or work behind to get sober; and with the Aftercare program, I didn't have to go it alone in sobriety once Treatment was completed. I am grateful for what the AACC did for me. I know I couldn't have done it without their help, patience, and guidance. "
Jacob Lynch

Therapies Used at Our Outpatient Center for Addiction & Mental Health

Successful recovery often requires more than one therapeutic approach. At Athens Area Commencement Center, evidence-based therapies support our addiction rehab and mental health programs by helping you build healthier behaviors, improve emotional well-being, and develop practical skills for long-term recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify the thoughts and behaviors that may contribute to substance use. Frequently used throughout our outpatient addiction treatment programs, it encourages healthier decision-making, strengthens coping skills, and helps you respond more effectively to triggers and everyday stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Managing emotions can be one of the biggest challenges during recovery. DBT helps you develop practical skills for handling stress, improving relationships, and coming up with thoughtful decisions, making it an important part of our Athens outpatient rehab programs

Family Therapy

A strong support system can make recovery more sustainable. Family therapy encourages healthier communication, rebuilds trust over time, and helps loved ones better understand how to support recovery while creating a more stable home environment.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When mental health conditions and substance use disorders occur together, treating both at the same time can support better long-term outcomes. An integrated approach helps coordinate care around your individual needs while addressing the factors that may influence both recovery and emotional well-being.

Female Smiling in Outpatient Drug Rehab and Mental Health Center Shaking Hands of Therapist
Young Adult Male with a dual diagnosis specialist in outpatient rehab

Outpatient Rehab in Athens GA

Athens Area Commencement Center is conveniently located on Mitchell Bridge Road, which makes outpatient addiction and mental health treatment accessible for individuals and families throughout Athens and the surrounding North Georgia communities.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our location offers a convenient place to begin recovery while remaining connected to work, school, family, and other daily resposibilities when clinically appropriate.

Start Outpatient Drug Rehab in Athens

Whether you’re exploring treatment for yourself or someone you care about, finding the right program matters. Athens Area Commencement Center provides outpatient drug rehab and mental health treatment designed to support lasting recovery through personalized care, education, and ongoing guidance.

Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and schedule an assessment.