Helena Valley Addiciton Services

For many people in recovery, leaving home for weeks or months of residential treatment simply isn't an option. Helena Valley Addiction Services is structured around that reality. The center's Outpatient Program and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are designed for individuals who are committed to long-term recovery but need to remain present in their communities — working, parenting, attending school, or managing other responsibilities while getting consistent clinical support.

The IOP level provides a meaningful step up in structure and frequency for those who need more than standard outpatient sessions can offer. This kind of graduated care is especially relevant for people who have completed a higher level of treatment and are transitioning toward sustainable, independent recovery. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering scheduling flexibility that supports working adults and families.

Substance use rarely tells the whole story. Helena Valley Addiction Services treats co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis conditions alongside addiction, and specifically addresses trauma and PTSD as part of its clinical scope. This matters enormously for people in longer-term recovery, where unaddressed mental health challenges are one of the most common contributors to relapse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the primary therapeutic method used at the center. CBT is particularly well-suited to outpatient recovery because it equips people with practical tools — ways of recognizing and redirecting harmful thought patterns — that can be applied in daily life between sessions. For individuals managing trauma histories or co-occurring mental health conditions alongside a substance use disorder, this integrated approach addresses multiple layers of need within a single outpatient program.

The range of populations Helena Valley Addiction Services works with is notably broad. The program serves adolescents, young adults between 18 and 25, adults of all genders, seniors and older adults, pregnant women, veterans, individuals with HIV/AIDS-related support needs, and those entering treatment through court-ordered referrals. This scope reflects a program built to meet people where they are — rather than narrowing to a single demographic.

For veterans and military families specifically, the center accepts TRICARE in addition to Medicaid, private insurance, and self-pay. This makes it one of the more accessible substance abuse treatment options in the Helena area for those who have served. Court-ordered clients are also welcome, and the staff works with the full range of people who find themselves needing structured outpatient support to build a stable, lasting recovery.

One practical barrier to entering any addiction treatment program is cost. Helena Valley Addiction Services accepts Medicaid, private insurance, TRICARE, and self-pay, covering a wide range of financial situations for people seeking outpatient or IOP-level substance abuse treatment in Helena, Montana. Medicaid acceptance is particularly significant for individuals and families in Lewis and Clark County who may not have employer-sponsored coverage.

The center's Saturday hours — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — extend access beyond the standard Monday-through-Friday clinical week, giving people who work weekday hours another point of entry. For questions about scheduling or payment, Helena Valley Addiction Services can be reached at (406) 422-4933 or by email at [email protected].