About us
Addiction and Behavioral Counseling Services, Inc. (ABCS) is an outpatient treatment center situated in Merrillville, Indiana, that is committed to providing assistance to individuals who are grappling with substance use disorders and a variety of behavioral challenges. ABCS has been dedicated to delivering client-centered, comprehensive care that is customized to the individual requirements of each patient since its inception in 1999. The center has established a strong reputation for its commitment to assisting individuals in the Northwest Indiana community in achieving long-term recovery and behavioral wellness.
ABCS provides a comprehensive selection of services that are intended to address both addiction and associated behavioral issues. The treatment programs are fundamentally composed of individual and group counseling sessions, which are conducted by seasoned professionals. The objective of these sessions is to equip individuals with the necessary tools and strategies to combat addiction and lead healthier lives. In addition to conventional counseling services, ABCS provides specialized court-ordered programs for individuals who are legally required to receive treatment, such as those who have been convicted of operating while impaired (OWI)… Additionally, the center offers relapse prevention strategies to assist individuals in maintaining their sobriety and preventing future setbacks
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a behavioral therapy that is specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of relapsing into substance addiction. It is one of the distinctive offerings at ABCS. This therapy, when combined with battery programs and anger management, assists individuals in identifying and addressing the underlying behavioral patterns that may be contributing to their addiction. The center also provides a Minor in Possession program, which is specifically designed for individuals between the ages of 15 and 20. This program is dedicated to the prevention and education of substance abuse, providing young people with the resources necessary to make healthier decisions.
ABCS offers services in a variety of languages, such as English, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian, and Polish, in recognition of the significance of cultural sensitivity. This multilingual approach guarantees that individuals from a variety of contexts can obtain the necessary care in a supportive and comfortable setting. For more than two decades, the center has been providing services to the Northwest Indiana community, demonstrating a dependable and enduring presence in the area. The center’s comprehensive resource for individuals at various phases of their recovery journey is based on its specialized programs, which include court-mandated treatment, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and intervention services for families. By enabling individuals to engage in structured therapy sessions while adhering to their daily regimens, the IOP offers the necessary flexibility for those who are juggling work, family, or other responsibilities.
Insurance
Payment Options
- Cash or self-payment
- Private health insurance
- Sliding fee scale (fee is based on income and other factors)
- Payment assistance (check with facility for details)
Addiction Resource Score
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics.
8.3
Out of 10
We understand that choosing an addiction treatment center can be overwhelming, especially with so many options, promises, and marketing messages. Thatโs why weโve developed a clear, standardized rating system designed to cut through the noise and highlight what truly matters: safety, quality of care, and transparency. Our goal is to give individuals and families the information they need to make confident, informed decisions during a critical time.
In this guide, we explain exactly how we rate treatment centersโfrom accreditation and staff credentials to therapy options, facility environment, and family involvement. Youโll see how we assign scores, award badges, and update listings to ensure accuracy and fairness. Most importantly, our system focuses on elevating centers that prioritize ethical, evidence-based care, not just those with the best marketing. This way, you can trust that the ratings you see reflect meaningful standards that help you find the right fit for lasting recovery.
Treatment
Treatment Options
- Screening for tobacco use
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Interim services for clients
- Outreach to persons in the community
- Screening for mental disorders
- Screening for substance use
- Professional interventionist/educational consultant
- Complete medical history/physical exam
Conditions Treated
- Alcoholism
- Substance use treatment
Levels of Care
- Outpatient
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Regular outpatient treatment
- Aftercare
Treatment Modalities
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Telemedicine/telehealth therapy
- Substance use disorder counseling
- Trauma-related counseling
- Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling
- Treatment for gambling disorder
- Group counseling
- Family counseling
- Marital/couples counseling
- 12-step facilitation
- Intervention Services
- Motivational interviewing
- Anger management
- Matrix Model
- Relapse prevention
- Treatment for other addiction disorder
- SMART Recovery
- Individual psychotherapy
Facility Operation
- Private for-profit organization
- Program Tailored for LGBTQ Clients
Screening
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol testing
- Drug or alcohol urine screening
- HIV testing
- STD testing
- TB screening
- Drug and alcohol oral fluid testing
- Metabolic syndrome monitoring
- Testing for Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Testing for Hepatitis C (HCV)
Ancillary Services
- Case management service
- Integrated primary care services
- Suicide prevention services
- Specially designed program for DUI/DWI clients
- Domestic violence services, including family or partner
- Early intervention for HIV
- Mental health services
- Social skills development
Opioid Treatment
- Relapse prevention with naltrexone
- Buprenorphine used in Treatment
- Accepts clients using MAT but prescribed elsewhere
- Naltrexone used in Treatment
- Prescribes buprenorphine
- Prescribes naltrexone
- Maintenance service with medically supervised withdrawal after stabilization
Transitional Recovery Services
- Mentoring/peer support
- Housing services
- Discharge Planning
- Self-help groups
- Naloxone and overdose education
- Outcome follow-up after discharge
- Recovery coach
Age Groups Accepted
- Seniors or older adults
- Young adults
- Children/adolescents
- Seniors
Gender Accepted
- Female
- Male
Smoking or Vaping
- Smoking permitted in designated area
- Vaping permitted in designated area
Amenities
Amenities
- Private setting
- Residential setting
Hope Without Commitment
Find the best treatment options. Call our free and confidential helpline
Most private insurances accepted