Adult Outpatient Counseling
First Step Outpatient Counseling is designed to meet the needs of those who are not in need of residential treatment, or due to other commitments in their personal and professional lives, need the freedom of outpatient counseling.  The program blends individual, group and family therapy with substance abuse education.  There are three levels of treatment intensity.  An assessment determines which level is appropriate for each individual. 

Clients must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for Adult Outpatient Counseling.  Fees are based on a sliding scale and most insurance is accepted.  To contact Outpatient Services, please call 941-366-5333 in Sarasota, 941-497-7742 in Venice, and 863-494-1324 in Arcadia. Back to Top

Department of Corrections Adult Outpatient Program
Like Outpatient Counseling, this program blends individual, group and family therapy with substance abuse education.  Clients must be court-ordered to the program through the Department of Corrections.  Back to Top

Drug Court
Working in conjunction with the legal system, First Step provides a voluntary outpatient alternative to jail for those facing charges associated with drug abuse behaviors.  The three-phase program teaches clients about their addiction with the goal of reducing criminal activities.  The program includes regular court monitoring, individual and group counseling sessions.  Clients must have a court referral to be considered for admission. Back to Top

Family Safety Program
This program is designed to assist adults who have lost custody of their children due to substance abuse, or are currently under investigation by the Department of Children and Families or the Safe Children’s Coalition.  Anger management, parenting education, substance abuse therapy and case management are included.  Parents in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties who have lost or are at risk of losing custody of children due to substance abuse are referred by the Department of Children and Families/Safe Children’s Coalition.  Back to Top

Anger Alternatives
Designed to teach individuals the skills necessary for successful management of their anger, Anger Management has been approved through the local court system to meet court ordered anger management class requirements.  It is available to anyone who demonstrates the need to learn anger management skills. 

Clients must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for Anger Alternatives.  Fees are based on a sliding scale and most insurance is accepted.  To contact Outpatient Services, please call 941-366-5333 in Sarasota, 941-497-7742 in Venice, and 863-494-1324 in Arcadia.  Back to Top

Early Intervention Programming
First Step provides HIV/AIDS education and intervention services through the Early Intervention program.  Staffed by professionally-trained outreach workers, this program accomplishes many of its goals by working in high drug-traffic areas and with First Step clients who request services.  Back to Top

Youth Outpatient
Everyday life can be overwhelming for a teen struggling with substance abuse.  At First Step, adolescents are treated differently than adults because of developmental issues, differences in values and beliefs, as well as environmental considerations such as peer influence.  First Step is dedicated to providing the highest quality professional care to adolescents struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.  The program includes individual and family sessions and group therapy.