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American Behavioral Health Systems – ABHS

500 SE Washington Avenue
Chehalis, WA 98532
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American Behavioral Health Systems - ABHS WA 98532

About American Behavioral Health Systems – ABHS

American Behavioral Health Systems (ABHS) in Chehalis, Washington, provides CARF-accredited inpatient addiction treatment and medical detox for adults seeking structured residential care. The facility holds three-year CARF accreditation for both its detoxification program and residential treatment program, and operates under a Washington State Department of Health license. Washington state recorded more than 3,100 fatal overdoses in 2024, according to preliminary CDC data, underscoring the ongoing need for accessible, clinically grounded addiction treatment in Chehalis and the surrounding Lewis County region.

Inpatient Treatment and Medical Detox in Chehalis

ABHS operates more than 550 licensed residential beds and offers inpatient addiction treatment stays ranging from 15 to 180 days depending on individual clinical needs. The residential program follows a therapeutic community model, combining cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group counseling, psychoeducation, individual therapy, and case management. Clients work with chemical dependency professionals for five to 20 hours per week based on their level of care.

The facility’s acute withdrawal management program runs seven to ten days on average, with medically complex cases extending up to 14 days. Round-the-clock nursing and physician supervision cover withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines, and cocaine. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options including buprenorphine formulations, naltrexone, and acamprosate are available for eligible clients.

Dual Diagnosis and Specialty Programs

ABHS specializes in treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders through an integrated dual diagnosis treatment approach. The program also serves adults involved in the criminal justice system, including clients on court-ordered treatment, with on-site support for court hearings and case coordination with local agencies in Lewis, Thurston, Cowlitz, and Grays Harbor counties. A young adult program is available for those 18 and older, and bilingual and ASL services are offered on site.

Getting Started at ABHS

American Behavioral Health Systems accepts Medicaid (Apple Health), private insurance, self-pay, and funding through the Department of Corrections and Native American Title 19 programs. Financial aid and grants may be available for qualifying individuals. The facility is located at 500 SE Washington Avenue in Chehalis, accessible from I-5 in central Lewis County.

Fact checked and written by:
Sehar Uddin
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Facility Overview

Calendar icon 91+
Avg Length of Stay in Days

Latest Reviews

Benjamynn Whitney
1 year ago on Google
5
Thanks to ABHS I'll have 1 year clean January 2nd, this place has its pros and cons but that's anywhere you go. Only thing that I would improve would be installing a few more phones on each floor 100 people fighting over 6 phones kinda sucked. Other than that The food was good and the staff were pretty cool.
Harper
1 year ago on Google
4
I attended inpatient tx here in April 2019, after I caught 3 new charges alongside 3 active warrants from Mason, Lewis and Cowlitz counties. My attorney informed me I was ineligible for Drug Court, but encouraged me to try DOSA, and that ABHS in Chehalis was about to become co-ed. Upon my release, my best friend helped me pack a couple suitcases and even bought me stuff to last the 91-180 day time frame required for res DOSA. I called the facility to notify them I would be late due to a dead car battery; They were very understanding and thanked me for keeping them updated, and assured me I wouldn't be in trouble for my delayed arrival. I was finally able to show up at around 10 p.m., and every member of the care team warmly welcomed me and helped take my bags upstairs. Everyone involved in my intake was remarkably polite and friendly. They described what day-to-day life would look like, and led me through a comprehensive tour of the unit. During the inventory process, a few items I brought, like hair conditioner and hand sanitizer, were not allowed due to past abuse by clients to get intoxicated, which was reasonable. Each of my belongings was meticulously recorded on two separate lists in front of me: one for items I could keep and use, and another for items that had to be securely stored. Afterwards I completed a baseline UA, and they also conducted random UAs throughout our stays, especially when staff or other clients suspected potential use or intoxication, to ensure no one was high and no drugs were being used, countering the claims of "widespread drug use" from other reviewers on here. Our daily schedule was well-organized, starting with coffee at 4:30 AM and breakfast at 6 AM. The day's first Therapeutic Community (TC) meeting at 8 AM served as an update session where achievements were acknowledged, any issues were addressed, and motivational talks were given to energize us for the day ahead. At 9 AM, we alternated between group sessions with our counselors or study periods in the cafeteria, depending on our counselor's schedule. Lunch was at 11:30 AM, then at 1 PM we would either listen to one of the counselors/guest speaker, or we would have a free period. Dinner was at 4:30 PM, and the last TC meeting wrapped up the day at 6 PM, where we welcomed new intakes and congratulated graduates. Throughout the day, we were allowed two 15-minute phone calls, with daily sign up sheets with slots in quarter hour increments to ensure fair usage. On the weekends, we could have in person visits with people on our approved lists for up to 3 hours. Individual meetings with counselors were part of our treatment plans, which could span up to four levels depending on entry into the program; Level I completion is necessary for self admitted clients (BHO), level III for Drug Court and DOC clients, and level IV for DOSA. We had a movie room with a long list of titles, a giant TV screen with cable in the cafeteria, went to parks, did smudging and art projects. They also took us to DSHS and DOL. There is a dress code, and interactions with the opposite sex are prohibited to prevent "fraternization". Rooms were shared, with options for mattress or room changes if needed, and personal belongings were kept in large secured trunks. Medication requests were available via video visits with doctors, and whenever the whole floor got perfect room check scores, we got rewards like snacks or extra breaks. The head chef "Mama"'s meals were a highlight of everyone's days. I remember I asked her what her favorite part of the job was and she told me, " Seeing people gradually become healthier and happier over their stays here, and being able to provide the food to nourish them. That's why I put so much love into everything I make." All the staff, counselors, esp mine Ms. Baldwin, along with program directors Mr. Berry and Mr. Robinson, made it beneficial and enjoyable. I successfully completed DOSA May 2021! I deducted 1 star due to maintenance issues like broken showers and they frosted the windows which prevented us from seeing outside.
Ford Day
2 years ago on Google
5
Embarrassing question, in all seriousness I medically can't sleep unless I am sleeping el natural ( naked) otherwise I get restless sleep or no sleep at all.. is that something they could accommodate for me there?
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Rehab Score

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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. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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5.7 / 10

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

American Behavioral Health Systems offers inpatient residential care utilizing a therapeutic community model. Clients engage in psychoeducation, emotional interviewing, and group counseling for five to twenty hours weekly, depending on their individualized treatment plan and clinical needs.

This facility provides structured outpatient services designed for clients transitioning from higher levels of care. Treatment includes flexible scheduling for group counseling, psychoeducation, and individual therapy, allowing individuals to maintain daily responsibilities while continuing their recovery journey.

The intensive outpatient programming at this center delivers robust clinical support, featuring cognitive behavioral therapy and case management. Clients participate in therapeutic community practices while building essential coping skills to sustain long-term sobriety in their everyday lives.

American Behavioral Health Systems provides medically assisted withdrawal management with round-the-clock nursing care and physician supervision. This acute detox program lasts seven to ten days, safely managing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other addictive substances.

The residential treatment program incorporates foundational 12-step principles alongside evidence-based therapies. This proven facilitation approach helps clients build a vital peer support network and develop a strong community foundation essential for maintaining lasting, long-term addiction recovery.

Dedicated clinical staff provide comprehensive aftercare planning to support clients post-treatment. These services include ongoing case management, relapse prevention strategies, and continued counseling to ensure individuals successfully maintain their sobriety and transition back into daily life.

Treatments

ABHS delivers comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment within an intensive residential setting. Clients participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and group counseling, empowering them to establish a firm foundation for sustainable recovery in a highly supportive clinical environment.

The center offers specialized drug addiction treatment utilizing a therapeutic community approach. Experienced clinicians provide individualized care, emotional interviewing, and essential coping skill development to address substance use disorders and promote lasting recovery from illicit drugs.

ABHS effectively addresses co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders through integrated clinical assessments. The dual diagnosis treatment combines mental health counseling with addiction therapies to achieve sustainable recovery and significantly improve clients' overall psychological well-being.

Opioid addiction treatment features structured residential support and evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. The clinical team safely manages opioid recovery through careful medication management and targeted case management, ensuring clients develop vital skills for lasting sobriety.

Programs

The adult residential treatment program accommodates men and women with over 550 licensed beds. Focused on skill-building and co-occurring disorders, treatment durations range from 15 to 180 days to specifically address the unique needs of adult clients.

Designed specifically for younger demographics, this intensive residential program utilizes emotional interviewing and psychoeducation. The supportive environment helps young adults build essential life skills, develop peer connections, and acquire the crucial recovery tools needed for long-term independence.

Clinical Services

Clinicians utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and destructive behaviors. This evidence-based modality strengthens self-awareness, allowing individuals to successfully manage daily stressors without relying on drugs or alcohol.

Group therapy sessions form a core component of the therapeutic community. Led by trained professionals, these sessions include psychoeducation, experiential therapy, and support groups, allowing peers to process interactions, share experiences, and build mutual accountability during recovery.

Clients meet one-on-one with trained substance abuse counselors to address the root causes of their addiction. These private clinical sessions provide a safe space to explore personal challenges, process difficult emotions, and develop customized behavioral coping strategies.

Comprehensive life skills training helps clients thrive outside of treatment. The curriculum focuses on practical necessities like time management, effective communication, and basic living skills, setting individuals up for sustainable success and long-term sobriety in broader society.

Counselors at the facility employ Motivational Interviewing to help clients independently resolve their ambivalence toward behavioral change. This goal-oriented clinical approach encourages individuals to freely make healthier choices and actively engage in their personal addiction recovery journey.

Amenities

  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • car iconPrivate Transportation

Staff

Craig Phillips

President & CEO

Rehab.com regularly reviews this listing for accuracy but changes may occur between updates. For the most up-to-date information, please contact American Behavioral Health Systems – ABHS.

Contact Information

Building icon

500 SE Washington Avenue
Chehalis, WA 98532

Explore Other Centers Near Chehalis

Reviews of American Behavioral Health Systems – ABHS

2.5/5 (6 reviews)
2.5
Staff
1
Amenities
1.5
Meals
2.5
Value
1.5
Cleanliness
5
14
4
5
3
2
2
2
1
38

Reviews

1
Lack of compassion

Sadly, I would never send a loved one to this treatment center. My son was there and needed care and was offered none. The time he was there the center had an covid outbreak and wasn't able to offere classes and meetings. That was held against him for his time there. And ... Read More

Tracey S.
Reviewed on 9/5/2023
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
1
Cleanliness
1
2
Glad it's over

I recently graduated from ABHS. This place is in a historic building (an old hospital) so as you can imagine it's worn down, complete with a musty smell throughout the whole place. Ventilation is awful and many rooms don't have working air conditioning. People get packed in ... Read More

James S.
Reviewed on 8/12/2023
Staff
4
Amenities
1
Meals
2
Value
4
Cleanliness
2
5

I loved the staff they always take their time to make sure you are important and there support throughout the detox program is unconditional. I was connected with many resources and programs to further my sobriety and journey down the road of recovery. I was able to talk to ... Read More

Reviewed on 9/27/2019
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American Behavioral Health Systems – ABHS FAQs

What types of addiction treatment does ABHS in Chehalis, WA offer?

American Behavioral Health Systems offers medical detox, intensive inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services. Residential stays range from 15 to 180 days. The program uses a therapeutic community model with cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group counseling, and individual therapy.

Does ABHS treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders?

Yes. ABHS holds CARF accreditation specifically for treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders in adults. The facility uses an integrated dual diagnosis approach, addressing both conditions simultaneously through structured residential care and individualized clinical assessments.

What insurance and payment options does American Behavioral Health Systems accept?

ABHS accepts Medicaid (Apple Health), private insurance, self-pay, and Department of Corrections funding. Native American Title 19 (ITU) coverage is accepted, and financial aid or grants may be available for clients who qualify. Military insurance is also accepted.

Does ABHS in Chehalis accept clients involved in the criminal justice system?

Yes. ABHS serves adults on court-ordered treatment and those referred through legal diversion programs. The facility provides on-site support for court hearings and maintains case coordination with agencies across Lewis, Thurston, Cowlitz, and Grays Harbor counties.

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