Matrix Model

Domain II · Behavioural & cognitive · Richard Rawson, Jeanne Obert · 1980 · Los Angeles

What it is

The Matrix Model is a manualised, year-long outpatient programme, not a single technique: a 16-week intensive phase of structured groups, three individual/conjoint sessions, family education and weekly drug/breath testing, followed by 36 weeks of continuing-care social support groups. It was…

Format

• Sample week: Monday and Friday = ERS then RP (month 1), RP only afterwards; Wednesday = Family Education (later Social Support); Tuesday, Thursday and weekend = 12-Step/mutual-help meetings. CEBC describes the intensity as roughly 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, minimum IOP level of care, groups of…
• Intensive phase, months 2-4 (RP twice weekly + family education + IC 2 at week 5-6): maintain abstinence through the "Wall", detect relapse drift and justification, rebuild trust, work, money, health and relationships.

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Abbreviations used in tags: CTM, CH, FEM as above; MI-slides = Matrix Institute 2006 training slides (secondary copy on SlideServe); CEBC = California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse profile; CWRU 2026 = Case Western SUD Center of Excellence Matrix Model report.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• untreated medical problems; refer.
• pride in "being able to handle" triggers.
• family members taking on a policing role.
• "alcohol was never my problem"; link to RP 9.
• literacy limits; allow voice notes or drawings.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.