Established Drug and Alcohol Treatment Provider Launches First Real-time Interactive Treatment Program Over The Internet

eGetgoing Helps Reach Those Who Don't Receive Treatment Through Traditional Programs

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 5, 2001 - Today, eGetgoing, the online affiliate of CRC Health Corporation's established residential and outpatient treatment facilities, announced it will tackle the alarming gap in treatment services head-on through an innovative online group treatment program made possible by advanced audio- and video-conferencing technologies.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only about 3 million of the approximately 16 million Americans currently in need of drug and alcohol abuse treatment are getting the help they need. Reasons cited include limited treatment center space, high cost, convenience issues, lack of privacy, and the stigma associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

eGetgoing overcomes these barriers and complements traditional treatment programs in two ways: it offers those who are not served by existing treatment alternatives an affordable, convenient and private way to combat their drug and alcohol abuse, and it augments the effectiveness of traditional programs by providing long term support that is easy for those in recovery to access. eGetgoing is utilizing traditional, proven treatment methods, adapting them for delivery via the Internet. Participants of eGetgoing can maintain complete anonymity; and group programs are available to anyone, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"eGetgoing approaches treatment of chemical dependency unlike any other treatment provider. We have built on the foundation of CRC's proven clinical programs, and brought together a management team whose collective expertise is significant and unique," said Barry Karlin, Founder and CEO of eGetgoing and CRC Health Corporation. "eGetgoing's management team is experienced in substance abuse treatment, eLearning, academia, eHealth, business and medicine. Our strong and diverse team, in conjunction with a powerful online treatment model, has created the first viable, new option for individuals seeking treatment for drug or alcohol abuse."

Similar to CRC's residential and outpatient programs, eGetgoing's treatment programs are led by experienced counselors. Participants engage in a 12-week online treatment program, in groups of 10 people or less, each led by a counselor. eGetgoing's real-time, interactive format enables live audio with the counselor and participants, and live video of the counselor (not participants). The format also allows the delivery of powerful visual aids to enhance the group treatment process, including dramatizations of a video-based "peer group" which serve as springboards for discussion.

"eGetgoing is a marriage of the best practices in drug and alcohol abuse treatment, and the power and reach of the Internet," said Paul Rosenberg, M.D., Chief Clinical Officer of eGetgoing. "Our professional counselors use proven treatment methodology in eGetgoing's online, interactive setting."

Leveraging the best eLearning technologies, eGetgoing's online treatment programs include: verbal or written communication between group participants and their eGetgoing counselor; spontaneous polling of the group by the counselor to steer the group process; use of visual aids (slides, video vignettes and white board illustrations) to support discussion; written assignments submitted to the counselor between sessions that elicit personalized feedback from the counselor via e-mail; and breakout sessions for people who require more individualized care.

Upfront assessments at the beginning and end of each session allow counselors to modify and adapt sessions based on the needs of participants, and to track client progress. In addition, during the 12-week treatment period clients are entitled to one hour of free, individualized counseling (additional private sessions are available on a fee basis). Individuals are also provided with a one-year Aftercare Support Program at no additional cost.

"Online treatment through eGetgoing is not meant to displace traditional treatment. Long-term, residential drug and alcohol abuse treatment is likely to always be the preferred method. However, eGetgoing adds breadth and depth to the model by complementing existing programs, serving as an alternative for those who will not receive treatment any other way," said Judi Kosterman, Ed.D., Vice President at eGetgoing and former Director of the National Center for the Advancement of Prevention (NCAP) and Assistant Director for the Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

Online delivery has definite advantages. First, it allows quality clinical treatment to be delivered at a significantly lower cost than traditional treatment approaches. eGetgoing's 12-week, 24-session Primary Group program costs only $1,200 compared to an average outpatient program cost of $3,000 and residential costs that often exceed $10,000. The modality also breaks down convenience barriers, making it possible for clients to schedule group sessions round the clock, and make up sessions that they have missed. To assist clients, intake specialists and technical assistance representatives are always available via phone (1-866-HELP999) and e-mail while treatment programs are in progress. It also allows clients to participate completely anonymously.

About eGetgoing
eGetgoing leverages the Internet to provide drug and alcohol abuse treatment services. Experienced counselors use real-time audio and video conferencing to treat participants in a group environment. The first drug and alcohol treatment program to utilize traditional treatment methods in an online forum, eGetgoing offers an affordable, convenient and anonymous treatment alternative. eGetgoing complements traditional treatment programs by providing access for the millions of individuals who need treatment, but might not ever receive it through traditional residential and outpatient programs due to their high cost, privacy concerns and barriers to access. It also augments the effectiveness of traditional programs by providing easy to access long-term support that reduces the likelihood of relapse. eGetgoing, based in San Jose, Calif., is the online extension of CRC Health Corporation, an established group of residential and outpatient facilities that have provided substance abuse treatment to more than 30,000 people over the past 20 years. For more information or a demo of eGetgoing, visit www.eGetgoing.com.