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A study done by the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse shows that attending outpatient therapy often can reduce substance abuse. That said, there are many benefits to coming to a treatment center for outpatient addiction rehabilitation.
Montgomery County has not been reporting great numbers when it comes to the opioid epidemic taking over Maryland. Since 2016, the number of fentanyl-related deaths skyrocketed to the point of surpassing other substances that have always been a problem in the county, including another opioid, heroin.
Unlike many would think, however, prescription opioids have not been the main culprits in the city or even the entire county. The substances most often abused to the point of causing deaths are cocaine and heroin, respectively, after fentanyl and heroin. The fact that Rockville is so close to other cities that are not doing very well is also an issue since it’s so easy to go out of town just to obtain supplies of illicit, or even licit, substances.
Another matter at hand is mental illnesses of psychological nature, such as depression. In Maryland, more than half of adults go on without getting treatment for diagnosed mental illnesses, which puts them at risk for substance abuse. That is because, more often than not, addicts also report suffering from a psychiatric disorder – six in ten users do, in fact.
As numbers continue to rise in Maryland, it is imperative that those in need of mental health treatment, whether it is for addiction or a psychological disorder, get the help they are looking for. With such high numbers of teenagers and adults without psychological treatment, this situation could continue to get worse for years. Whether you prefer options in Rockville or if you would be okay with getting help elsewhere, experts and centers are available all across Montgomery County.
Besides proximity to areas of intense use and mental illnesses, there are other demographics that seem to be more prone to intoxication leading to death. White males are more likely to overdose and pass away from their experiences, and when it comes to age, victims over the age of 45 are more commonly reported. However, it is important to point out that deaths among young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 have happened more often and have been increasing since 2010 in the state of Maryland.
Despite the increase in deaths, the community, government, and law enforcement in Rockville have organized many initiatives that hope to change that scenario. Events like “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day”, where civilians could dispose of expired drugs in many centers and stations, were made in order to help avoid opportunities for drug abuse. Just this year, free events were held as well as part of a campaign, like the presentation made by Chris Herren, former Celtics player who talked about his journey towards recovery and his foundation to help others, the Herren Project.
The number of recovery facilities in Rockville, in general, is similar to that of cities like Silver Spring and Hagerstown, meaning there are somewhere around 20 and 25 centers and recovery meeting places in the city combined. But just like those cities, the ones located in town have good ratings, and the counties and towns nearby offer some great services in general.
Usually, treatments tend to be divided between outpatient and inpatient options, with many alternatives under those categories. There are options like intensive outpatient programs or partial hospitalization, and they will become more diverse the closer you are to places like Baltimore City. Besides the treatment centers, recovery meetings like AA and NAWS are also open every day.
It is possible to get proper treatment in Rockville, but should you be willing to make the drive or even relocate to other cities, you can certainly find the treatment that is right for you. The town offers great alternatives, but it is important to keep your options open if you can.
Rockville is a short drive away from our facility, The Freedom Center. It is:
There are also Ride-On routes to and from The Freedom Center for those who prefer public transportation. Those can be found here.
Being close to home is a very convenient and affordable option for addiction treatment.
The Freedom Center enjoys lending a helping hand to anyone who needs it. There are staff members on-call 24/7 to answer questions that people may have about how to get help.
We can give you a call if you enter your phone number on our website, but can also take calls at (888) 446-2616. We also have a chat room on our website if you prefer speaking to someone indirectly as you make the decision to seek help.
We understand that cost can be a barrier for people who are looking to recover from drug or alcohol addiction. That being said, we have financial advisers who help people with flexible treatment options.
We accept most popular insurance plans, which makes for a smooth transition into recovery without the stress of cost.
Outpatient addiction rehabilitation can come in many forms. This is because people have busy daily lives and need options to choose from.
While the responsibility of work and family is a priority, so is self-care and recovery. Let’s take a look at the different outpatient treatment options at the Freedom Center.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps addicts a few days a week for 2-3 hours. These hours are spent doing a variety of things and are flexible to the patient’s busy lifestyle.
There are different group sessions offered at the Freedom Center that allow patients to learn about drug and alcohol addiction and avoid relapse. Some of these programs include:
For more information about our treatment programs and options, visit our website here.
The Freedom Center assists patients in finding a place to continue sober living with other addicts. If this is possible for someone with a busy lifestyle, it is highly recommended.
The aftercare program at The Freedom Center provides therapeutic and educational programs for patients who have busy days.
This is a very flexible level of care, the hours vary depending on what the patient can do during the week. Usually, a patient is required to come into the rehab facility daily.
It is important not to deny the level of care that you may need. If you feel that your addiction is very strong, it might be better to try inpatient treatment first.
Programs can vary between inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment, as previously mentioned. As it is with most cities in Maryland, outpatient centers are more common in Rockville, even though inpatient treatment is often recommended. Nevertheless, it is possible to start inpatient programs in cities closeby like Gaithersburg and Baltimore.
Although it might seem like the only thing to pick is the service setting, there are other aspects that you must research so that you can come to the right conclusion as to which plan is best. The period of time you’ll dedicate to the program is another thing: are you starting a shorter program or a longer one? Once you’ve picked that, you should also look into the philosophy or “beliefs” of the institution you are choosing, to make sure they prioritize the same areas of your life as you and if they would fit into your lifestyle.
All that aside, one final factor is payment for your program. How are you going to afford your treatment? Insurance can cover most expenses, although it is always best to check your options with your healthcare provider. If you don’t have insurance or access to Medicare or Medicaid, there are other ways that you can pay for it: payment plans, loans, credit card payments, and even grants are available to those who might need it.
Outpatient alcohol rehab uses the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program. Founded in 1935, the program has become widely used and has over 2,000 members.
The 12 steps are goals that each alcoholic works to meet during their lives. Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings where community members support each other through recovery. These meetings are not just for alcoholics, recovered alcoholics are welcome as well.
Alcoholics Anonymous inspired the foundation of Narcotics Anonymous, which works with patients who have a drug addiction. Narcotics are considered to be any mind altering substance-illicit or prescription.
Narcotics anonymous also uses the 12 steps, which can be applied in a spiritual way, to help drug addicts. There are meetings for both current and past drug addicts.
Both AA and NA are encouraged through the life span, as recovered addicts can give inspiring and helpful advice to others.
There are also more recovery meetings, including the following:
When a mental health or substance use crisis strikes, immediate care can be life-saving. While comprehensive programs like The Freedom Center offer structured addiction treatment, Rockville residents also have access to emergency services that provide urgent care, detox support, and psychiatric intervention—available 24/7.
Local Emergency Addiction Resources in Rockville, MD:
9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. 24-hour Emergency Department with health services, crisis stabilization and detox support. Behavioral health evaluations are available via ER admission. Phone: (240) 826-6000
Offers same-day psychiatric intake and substance use screening; walk-ins accepted during business hours with after-hours telephone support. Phone: (240) 777‑4000
Provides round-the-clock, immediate behavioral health support and crisis referrals. Phone: 988 (nationwide) or 1‑800‑422‑0009 (MD regional backup)
For psychiatric or medical emergencies in Rockville, immediate help is available by calling 911 or visiting the nearest hospital emergency department.
Located in Montgomery County, Maryland, Rockville sees a lower-than-average overdose rate compared to the rest of the state, but substance use and overdose continue to be significant issues:
These statistics illustrate the critical need for accessible drug rehab in Rockville, MD, and addiction treatment Rockville programs, particularly in response to increasing overdose rates and the presence of potent substances like fentanyl.
Having local options, such as The Freedom Center—a trusted Rockville rehab center—gives individuals the chance to access immediate care and start their recovery before the next crisis occurs.
Rockville and the surrounding Montgomery County offer plenty of substance-free ways to stay active, creative, and connected. Here are some enjoyable local options for those embracing a sober lifestyle:
These substance-free activities reflect Rockville’s supportive environment—whether walking through forest trails, flowing through yoga poses, trying a new art form, or sharing time with others in recovery. They offer healthy ways to build community and enrich one’s sober journey while embracing options beyond the clinical Rockville rehab center experience.
Client transformations are what drive us to continually improve and enhance everything we do here. We are deeply committed to giving back, lifting others up, and ensuring that no one in our community has to face addiction alone. These are their stories of hope,
With so many aggravating factors in the daily lives of residents of Rockville, one thing you must keep in mind is that anyone can get the help they deserve anytime. It doesn’t matter what stage in your addiction you’re in, it is possible to reach out to those that can guide you. Call us at (888) 530 – 5023 or contact us here at your earliest convenience, we will answer any and every question you might have, especially if it will help you become healthier and free.
Yes, there are inpatient treatment options near Rockville, MD, for individuals who need round-the-clock care and a highly structured environment. These treatment centers and programs typically include medical detox, both individual and group therapy, as well as treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. While some facilities may be just outside Rockville itself, they still offer access to comprehensive support for those beginning their recovery journey.
Yes, there are inpatient treatment options near Rockville, MD, for individuals who need round-the-clock care and a highly structured environment. These treatment centers and programs typically include medical detox, both individual and group therapy, as well as treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. While some facilities may be just outside Rockville itself, they still offer access to comprehensive support for those beginning their recovery journey.
[1] Maryland Department of Health. (2021c). Review of Demographic Overdose trends in Maryland by local Jurisdiction. In Opioid Operational Command Center. https://stopoverdose.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2023/03/OOCC-Grants-Reference-Demographic-Information-.pdf
[2] How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in Maryland? | USAFacts. (n.d.-b). USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-drug-overdose-deaths-happen-every-year-in-the-us/state/maryland/
[3] Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). (n.d.). https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2022-2023/Community-Message-20221209.html
[4] Maryland Department of Health. (2023b). Unintentional Drug- and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2021. In Maryland Vital Statistics. https://talbothealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2021-Maryland-Unintentional-Drug-and-Alcohol-Related-Intoxication-Deaths-Report.pdf
[5] Treatment. (2025, June 9). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment
[6] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Dual diagnosis. https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html
Mary is an experienced Client Care Manager with 20+ years in customer service. She excels at problem-solving and takes pride in delivering tailored solutions. Mary builds strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction with each interaction. Her attention to detail and communication skills are valuable assets. Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and family time.
Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery. Currently pursuing her advanced degree in psychology, Samantha’s personal journey of overcoming addiction fuels her passion for supporting others on their path to wellness. Samantha’s own journey of recovery serves as a powerful foundation for her therapeutic services. She approaches her work with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique.
Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.
Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Accruing years of hands-on experience working alongside the administrators of facilities across the country in development of their own unique programs gave Max a unique and robust perspective into the administrative requirements of addiction treatment programs. Today, Max is able to channel his passion for battling the disease of addiction into ensuring The Freedom Center maintains strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by The Joint Commission and our partnerships in the insurance industry, and is constantly striving to improve the overall performance of the facility.
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery. Nationally Certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification board, Melissa’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Armed with credentials as a Registered Peer Supervisor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and Alcohol and Drug Trainee she has earned her place as a guiding light for individuals seeking hope and solace. Melissa’s illustrious journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, while she currently works diligently towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Walden University. Melissa’s personal experiences with addiction and mental health struggles instilled within her a profound passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Her unwavering commitment to peer support, coupled with her own lived experience, fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. She played a pivotal role as a peer support specialist in the overdose response team for Montgomery County, where she collaborated closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, Crisis Center, EMS, MCPD, and Montgomery County hospitals. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Her diverse roles as a case manager, discharge coordinator, behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and clinician have provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself. This profound personal connection fuels her passion for working in the field and enables her to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her role.
Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff. Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery.
Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Whether she’s leading group therapy or providing an individual therapy session, Cheryl’s expansive knowledge and genuine compassion paired with her deep drive to help people are always on display at The Freedom Center.
Meet Mr. Kevin Sockwell. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
