Looking for alcoholism or addiction treatment in Seattle, Bellevue, or other Eastside locations? Here are some places to look:

You could call (425-213-2657) or email me (

gduwors@yahoo.com

), before or after trying the following:
1. The alcohol/drug twenty-four hour helpline:    (Seattle ) (206) 722-3700    (WA only) (800) 562-1240    (TTY) (206)722-3724. They provide resource information for the whole state, twenty-four seven.
2. The Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Directory for the whole state. In print, we call it “the green book.” But you can have it all on line at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dasa/services/certification/GB.shtml. They list all of the residential and outpatient programs in the state, by county. What they do not list is private therapists who specialize in alcoholism and other addictions in Seattle and Bellevue.
3. To find individual therapists by specialty, try http://www.counselingseattle.com/ or the Therapist Finder at Psychology Today’s website, http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php. By the way, in any of these directories, the therapist or agency will usually link to a website at which you can explore them in more depth before you call.
4. If you have insurance, your insurance company undoubtedly has a website at which you can locate providers who take your insurance and are in Seattle, Bellevue and other local areas. Many will also be listed by specialty.
5. If you have a job, most employers contract for an “employee assistance program.” One of the primary functions of an “EAP” is to assess and refer. And when you call, the people on the line often know which of their providers, whether in Seattle, Bellevue, or the other locations, prefer to work with alcoholism and other addictions. Calls and sessions are confidential, except under statutory exceptions.
6. And do not forget the three biggest “providers” in the Bellevue and Seattle area:
   • The Veterans Administration on Beacon Hill (If you are a vet.)
   • The Salvation Army (If you can work, perhaps don’t have insurance.)
   • Alcoholics Anonymous (Most of the members have been to treatment, can give their personal experience, though AA has no official opinions.) Google them!
7. DSHS in Seattle and Bellevue offer alcoholism and addictions treatment through “ADATSA.” The first step is to qualify at DSHS, demonstrating insufficient income (usually,no job.) If you qualify, you are then assessed for treatment itself.

Hope this has helped! George DuWors, LCSW – Bellevue (425) 213-2657