At Addiction and Behavioral Counseling Services, Inc. (ABCS), we provide certified court-mandated counseling and addiction treatment programs across Northwest Indiana, including Lake County, Porter County, Crown Point, Merrillville, Hobart, and Valparaiso. Our licensed, court-approved services meet legal requirements for OWI/DUI counseling, anger management, battery intervention, substance abuse treatment, and possession-related offenses. Whether you're court-ordered after an arrest or referred by a probation officer or attorney, ABCS offers structured support to help you fulfill your legal obligations and begin recovery.
We specialize in court-ordered therapy, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and a Minor in Possession Program for ages 15 to 20. Accepted by most Indiana courts, our programs are tailored to each client’s case, charges, and personal goals. ABCS believes addiction is a disease, and we create customized treatment plans that support real, lasting change.
Services are available in English, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian, and Polish, and we proudly serve diverse communities with professionalism and confidentiality. For trusted court-mandated therapy in Northwest Indiana, ABCS is your reliable local provider.
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT):
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a type of behavioral therapy aimed at decreasing the likelihood of someone returning to abusing substances or alcohol. This program is commonly used in court-ordered counseling for individuals involved in the criminal justice system in Northwest Indiana. MRT helps those with substance use disorders focus on the moral aspects of their illness and the social consequences of drug use. It is a court-mandated therapy that enhances moral reasoning, improves decision-making, and encourages more appropriate behavior.
Anger Management:
Anger management is an 8–12 week court-approved program that focuses on impulsivity, poor decision-making, acceptance of change, coping skills, alternative behavior, and learning empathy. This course meets court-mandated requirements for anger-related offenses across Lake County, Porter County, and other areas of Northwest Indiana.
Group Therapy:
Group therapy is a standard component of many court-mandated treatment plans. It includes several therapeutic modalities such as support groups, experiential therapy, and psychoeducation. Group sessions are often required as part of court-ordered substance abuse programs in Northwest Indiana, encouraging peer connection and shared healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used in court-ordered addiction counseling to help individuals manage the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT promotes healthy emotional responses and is widely accepted as part of court-mandated mental health treatment across Indiana. It supports self-awareness, emotional regulation, and improved stress management—without substance use.
Individual Therapy:
Individual therapy is often included in court-ordered counseling services to address the root causes of addiction and behavioral issues. Clients meet one-on-one with licensed professionals to work through challenges related to family, work, legal stress, or trauma. This format meets the needs of court-mandated therapy clients in Northwest Indiana and is an essential part of recovery and legal compliance.
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
A combined mental health and substance abuse facility has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid treatment programs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. They typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Yes, we offer online therapy!
Do you take insurance? Yes, but not state insurance (i.e., HIP, Medicare, or Medicaid)
Are you certified by the State of Indiana? Yes
We are a court-approved program.
Is this accepted as court-ordered counseling in Northwest Indiana? Yes, our programs meet court-mandated requirements and are accepted by most courts in Lake County, Porter County, and surrounding areas.
How many classes would I have to take for a court-mandated program? Between 5 and 32 groups. We also specialize in out-of-state cases and interventions.
Are your counselors certified? Yes
Are your counselors licensed? Yes
Do you work with adolescents? Over the age of 17 years old
We are a court approved program.
How many classes would I have to take for a court mandated program? Between 5 and 32 groups. We also specialize in out of state cases and interventions.
Are your counselors certified? Yes
Are your counselors licensed? Yes
Do you work with adolescents? Over the age of 17 years old
We offer court-approved online therapy for both group and individual counseling. Group sessions include 3 to 18 participants and run for 90 minutes. Individual counseling sessions are typically 45 minutes. Please speak with an intake counselor for more information about our court-approved virtual options.
This is a 12-week, court-approved program. We work through the 12 steps and ensure each step is successfully completed before moving forward. This is not AA or NA. MRT focuses on honesty, achieving positive change, and maintaining a commitment to change.
Substance Abuse Education Program
Group therapy that covers education on substance abuse, the mind, body and consequences of substance abuse. Typically, 5-10 sessions
Risk/Relapse Program designed to address coping skills, abstinence, goal setting, self-esteem, cognitive therapy, developing new habits. Typically, 11-15 sessions
Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to address addiction on a much deeper level. In IOP we build off of what was learned in level I and Level II. This program is typically 16 -24 weeks. You will attend a minimum of 3 times weekly.
Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling concerns, including inquiries about court-mandated or voluntary counseling services.
Phone (219)756-3791
Fax any documents to (219)756-3793.
7805 W Taft St, Merrillville, IN 46410
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