First Step of Sarasota, Inc.

Specialties

This First Step office provides outpatient counseling services for substance abuse.

First Step Outpatient Counseling is designed to meet the needs of those who are not in need of residential treatment, or due to other commitments in their personal and professional lives, need the freedom of outpatient counseling. The program blends individual, group and family therapy with substance abuse education. There are three levels of treatment intensity. An assessment determines which level is appropriate for each individual.

Clients must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for Adult Outpatient Counseling. Fees are based on a sliding scale.

History

Established in 1968.

First Step of Sarasota, Inc., was established in 1968 and primarily serves Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties. First Step is well respected in the community for its high level of care in the treatment of substance abuse as demonstrated below.

*Detox, Outpatient and Residential Programs as well as community-​wide prevention efforts

*Serves more than 5,000 individuals annually through substance abuse programs

*Accredited by CARF — Commission on the Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities

*In the October 2011 CARF survey (most recent), agency received no recommendations, citations or negative remarks.

*Licensed by the Department of Children & Families (DCF)

*Agency scored an average of score of 97.5% in the most recent DCF audit, conducted in 2010.

*First Step is an active member of the community developing partnerships with other agencies to best serve the citizens of the area. As a result, First Step was awarded the John J. Cox Community Partner of the Year Award in 2011.