A therapeutic community is a treatment approach in which the community itself, through self-help and mutual support, is the principal means for promoting personal change.

In a therapeutic community residents and staff participate in the operation of the community, contributing to a psychologically and physically safe learning environment where change can occur.

In a therapeutic community there is a focus on social, psychological and behavioral dimensions of substance use, with the use of the community to heal individuals emotionally, and support the development of behaviors, attitudes and values of healthy living.

Our membership is comprised of services operating under the Therapeutic Community Model or services aspiring to become a therapeutic community. Our mission is support and represent members and advocate for the Therapeutic Community Model as an evidence-based model that restores a sense of wellbeing for consumers of our member’s services.  We achieve this by advocating for the needs of our members, supporting continuous quality improvement through the ATCA Standard and developing a strong member workforce by providing specialised training opportunities.

If you or somebody you know needs support accessing residential alcohol and other drugs treatment, a list of our Therapeutic Community and Residential Rehabilitation members can be found on the members location page.

The TC Training Course has been developed to support AOD practitioners, support workers and other relevant professionals and students to develop knowledge, attitudes and skills that can be applied in the TC context. The Training and Events page provides further information, or send an email to atca@atca.com.au