73/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Addiction Counselors in Athens, AL (2026)
24 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Athens: ARC Healthcare, LLC, RP Score 73/100; 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 8
Most-reviewed: Huntsville Metro Treatment Center, 90 Google reviews at 4.1★, the most of 24 ranked; ranked #8.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
24 Athens addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 9 open Saturdays and 7 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.2★ across 24 rated practices.
Top 10 addiction counselors in Athens at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARC Healthcare, LLC | 73 | 4.8★ (37) | Huntsville, 23 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Project Rescue | 68 | 4.6★ (10) | Decatur, 19 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Bradford Health Outpatient - Florence | 64 | 4.3★ (9) | Florence, 40 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | AppleGate Recovery Decatur | 64 | 4.9★ (15) | Decatur, 15 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Spero Health | 63 | 4.5★ (27) | Lawrenceburg, 37 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Lawrenceburg Medical Wellness | 62 | 4.5★ (14) | Lawrenceburg, 37 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Longleaf Recovery Huntsville | 60 | 4.6★ (25) | Madison, 16 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Huntsville Metro Treatment Center | 56 | 4.1★ (90) | Huntsville, 22 mi away | Sat · Sun | Most reviews |
| 9 | Behavioral and Substance Abuse Counseling | 56 | 4.1★ (9) | Madison, 13 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | MOMS, Inc / Quality Life Center, L.L.C. (Formerly TVDTM) | 55 | 3.7★ (7) | Florence, 40 mi away | — | — |
The 24 best addiction counselors in Athens, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Decatur, 19 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Florence, 40 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.3★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Decatur, 15 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.9★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#5 Spero Health
Based in Lawrenceburg, 37 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 27 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Lawrenceburg, 37 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Madison, 16 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 25 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 22 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 90 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Madison, 13 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Florence, 40 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.7★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#11 Buffalo Valley
Based in Lewisburg, 46 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.7★ from 18 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 20 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.2★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 19 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 81 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 24 mi away
51/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 44 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 23 mi away
50/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Muscle Shoals, 40 mi away
50/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 23 mi away
49/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 71 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Metairie, 30 mi away
49/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Huntsville, 24 mi away
48/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Cullman, 42 mi away
47/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#21 MedLink Athens
Based in Florence, 42 mi away
43/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#22 Centerstone
Based in Lawrenceburg, 36 mi away
42/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.5★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#23 Centerstone
Based in Lewisburg, 48 mi away
40/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.6★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#24 Riverbend Center
Based in Florence, 40 mi away
39/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.1★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Also serving Athens
5 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Counseling and Consulting | 24 mi | |
| MOMS, Inc. Mission of Mercy Shoals | 1.0★ (1) | 40 mi |
| Morgan Co Court Referral Inc | 5.0★ (1) | 14 mi |
| Professional Counseling Associates | 3.0★ (2) | 19 mi |
| QC Addiction to Wellness | 23 mi |
How we ranked Athens addiction counselors
We scored 24 Athens addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Athens data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an addiction counselor
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
- Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask an addiction counselor
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is addiction counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Addiction counselors in Athens: frequently asked questions
Who is the best addiction counselor in Athens?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Athens, AL is ARC Healthcare, LLC with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.8★ from 37 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Project Rescue (#2) and Bradford Health Outpatient - Florence (#3) follow. We ranked 24 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many addiction counselors are there in Athens?
RankedPsychologists ranks 24 addiction counselors serving Athens, AL. Another 5 within 50 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which addiction counselors in Athens work on weekends?
9 of 24 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 7 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are ARC Healthcare, LLC (#1), Bradford Health Outpatient - Florence (#3) and Longleaf Recovery Huntsville (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Athens addiction counselors have?
The median Google rating among 24 rated addiction counselors in Athens is 4.2★, with a median of 19 reviews. Huntsville Metro Treatment Center has the most, 90 reviews, and ranks #8. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?
Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do addiction counselors outside Athens count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the Athens city center, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are addiction counselors in Athens ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?
Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.
Can I see an addiction counselor online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Athens
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 24 addiction counselors serving Athens.
More addiction counselors and Athens pages
Addiction counselors near Athens
- Addiction counselors in Decatur, AL22 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Madison, AL16 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Huntsville, AL21 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Hartselle, AL22 ranked
- Addiction counselors in East Florence, AL11 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Muscle Shoals, AL11 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Florence, AL11 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Cullman, AL36 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Scottsboro, AL32 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Albertville, AL29 ranked
Other specialties in Athens
- Psychologists in Athens16 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Athens34 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Athens5 ranked
- Couples therapists in Athens18 ranked
- Family therapists in Athens14 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Athens40 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Athens8 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Athens9 ranked
- All psychologists in Athens