Back To Top

A Positive Alternative

In Crisis?

Overview

Call206-547-1955 WebsiteVisit Website

Located in an easily accessible, walkable neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, A Positive Alternative offers intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for adults ready to overcome alcohol use disorder. Separate programs are available for men and women, with small group sizes for focused attention to each client’s needs. The center provides a non-12-step approach, including evidence-based therapies and mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Care is also extended to clients with co-occurring mental health conditions, eating disorders, and gambling addiction.

Address

4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98103

Directions

Ages Served

  • Adults (Ages 26-64)
  • Young Adults (Ages 18-25)

Genders Accepted

  • Female
  • Male

Languages Served

  • English

Treatment

  • Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
  • Regular outpatient treatment

Special Programs

  • Adult men
  • Adult women
  • Mental health disorders

Gender-Specific Recovery Programs

The center provides separate intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for men and women, creating safe, focused spaces where participants can connect over shared experiences. This structure allows facilitators to address gender-specific recovery needs, from the social and emotional drivers of alcohol and substance use to practical skills for relapse prevention.

Evidence-Based and Holistic Approach

Treatment plans include evidence-based therapies and mindfulness-based relapse prevention. These approaches are paired with holistic supports like nutrition counseling, physical wellness strategies, and polyvagal techniques such as deep breathing to help regulate stress responses. The goal is to strengthen both mind and body, offering participants the tools to respond rather than react in challenging situations.

Non-12-Step Healing

For those who prefer alternatives to traditional 12-step programs, the center offers secular, skills-based recovery paths. Clients can still integrate Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other peer-support groups if they choose, but participation is not required. This flexible philosophy ensures that care aligns with each individual’s values, preferences, and strengths.

Small Groups for Deeper Connection

Group sizes are intentionally kept to a maximum of eight participants. This intimate setting encourages openness, trust, and meaningful peer relationships. The collaborative environment often leads to strong, lasting bonds that extend beyond the treatment period, supporting long-term recovery.

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention

A signature offering is the Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention program, a six-week course originally developed at the University of Washington. Participants learn to identify triggers, disrupt automatic responses, and maintain a nonjudgmental awareness of their experiences. These skills can be applied across a range of challenges, from overcoming alcohol use to managing stress and emotional regulation.

Continuing Care and Alumni Support

Recovery support extends beyond the intensive phase. Aftercare planning, continuing care groups, and a vibrant alumni network help graduates stay connected and maintain their recovery practices. Alumni can join peer-led meetings, mindfulness practice sessions, and occasional events, reinforcing the skills and community built during treatment.

Cost and Insurance

Insurance Accepted

  • Some Private Insurance

Disclaimer: Additional insurance plans may be accepted. Please contact the provider directly to confirm current coverage details, as this information may change.


Cost

$$$ - High-end Facility

Cost ratings are our best estimates to help guide you, not guarantees. Actual costs may vary with treatment, insurance, and other factors. While we aim for accuracy, details may change.

Financial Assistance

  • Does not offer Free
  • Does not offer Payment assistance
  • Does not offer Sliding fee scale

Treatment

Treatment Setting

  • Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
  • Regular outpatient treatment

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Matrix Model program
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Relapse prevention support
  • Substance use counseling
  • Trauma-focused counseling

Additional Support and Services

  • Mental health support
  • Social skills training

Counseling and Education

  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Substance use education

Transition Support

  • Discharge and next steps planning
  • Ongoing recovery care
  • Post-discharge follow-up

Testing & Pre-Treatment

  • Substance use assessment
  • Temporary support for clients
  • Tobacco use assessment
  • Substance use screening

Amenities and Experiences

Amenities

  • Dietary accommodations
  • Healthy meals

Activities

  • Art therapy
  • Secular meetings
  • Gender-specific support groups
  • Life skills workshops

Settings

  • City

Policies

  • No smoking allowed
  • No vaping allowed

Ownership Type

  • For-profit

Quality and Trust


A Positive Alternative
Call 206-547-1955

How we research treatment facilities

Across the site, our team has conducted over 1,000 pre-admissions calls to better understand the patient experience, interviewed facility clinical leaders, performed facility background checks, and compared our information against trusted public data sources.

Our research process begins with data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), accrediting bodies including The Joint Commission and CARF, government licensing agencies, and other trusted sources. From there, our team conducts significant original research, including:

- Pre-admissions calls: We speak with admissions staff to get a candid picture of patient experience.

- Background checks: We review complaints from past clients, media reports, actions taken by accrediting bodies, and positive recognition from notable organizations.

- Clinical interviews: We have in-depth conversations with clinical leadership, often lasting up to one hour, that give us a better understanding of clinical care.

- Data partnerships: We ingest and analyze exclusive data that provides information about in-network insurance status, cost, and more.

Research varies by facility. Each facility profile shows which research steps we completed and when each step was last performed. Learn more about our research process and background checks.

How we evaluate treatment facilities

These data help us develop a Trust Score for each facility—a simple letter grade that helps you assess how much confidence to place in a facility based on the information available to us. Trust Score considers accreditation, operating history, notable recognition, and concerns identified during our background check. Our Trust Score is an objective rating that is never influenced by advertiser payment. Learn more about our Trust Score methodology.

Important disclaimer

We cannot guarantee the quality of treatment at any facility. We cannot independently confirm the accuracy of every data point, and some information may become outdated or change over time. A Trust Score is a starting point, not a guarantee of treatment quality or outcomes. Please contact us if you would like to update or correct facility information.