Approximately 20+ million Americans experience cannabis use disorder annually, and 10% to 30% or more of marijuana users may develop cannabis use disorder – yet many never seek help because traditional treatment feels inaccessible or disruptive to their daily life.
Shanti Recovery & Wellness offers a different path forward.
As a leading virtual outpatient treatment provider, Shanti delivers Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs specifically designed for marijuana addiction treatment.
Every session is conducted remotely, meaning you can access effective addiction treatment from anywhere in California – including Los Angeles – without stepping into a physical treatment facility.
Our clinical team specializes in cannabis use disorder treatment, combining evidence-based therapy with holistic healing practices to address the full spectrum of recovery. Whether you’re a working professional, a young adult in school, or managing family responsibilities, our virtual format removes the barriers that keep people from getting the help they need.
Reach out directly for a confidential assessment – call or message us today.
Cannabis use disorder is a mental health condition recognized in the DSM-5, and it deserves the same clinical rigor as any other substance abuse treatment. Virtual IOPs deliver exactly that level of care – and research backs it up. Preliminary data from Hazelden Betty Ford shows that virtual IOP outcomes are comparable to in-person IOP treatment across key metrics like retention, engagement, and symptom reduction.
Here’s why virtual intensive outpatient programming works so well for marijuana addiction recovery:
Shanti Recovery & Wellness provides comprehensive virtual care options for individuals struggling with marijuana addiction and co occurring disorders. Our programs are built to deliver the clinical intensity of traditional treatment through a fully remote model – no in-person visits required.
Our Virtual IOP in Los Angeles provides structured programming for marijuana addiction recovery, including individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and skill development activities – all conducted online. Virtual IOPs provide access to licensed professionals remotely, and our format mirrors the rigor of programs like New Spirit Recovery, which offers 6 hours of daily programming, 7 days a week, while giving clients the flexibility to participate from home.
Treatment options for cannabis use disorder include behavioral therapies delivered through individual sessions and group sessions that help clients connect with peers walking a similar recovery journey. Our programming builds healthy coping mechanisms, teaches emotional regulation, and strengthens communication skills – all within a supportive recovery community.
Many individuals with marijuana addiction also face underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Daily use patterns indicate loss of control over consumption, and untreated mental health disorders often drive continued marijuana use.
Our dual diagnosis treatment online provides an integrated approach that addresses co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. Dual diagnosis care integrates treatment for mental health and substance use disorders using evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT.
This integrated model ensures that neither condition undermines recovery from the other, and it reflects the clinical best practice recommended by NIDA and leading addiction medicine researchers.
Effective treatment for marijuana abuse requires a diverse clinical toolkit. There are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis use disorder, which makes psychosocial and behavioral interventions the cornerstone of treatment.
Our clinical team uses the following approaches:
Other substances are treated with the same rigor in our programs include Adderall and other prescription stimulants, cocaine and crack cocaine, fentanyl and opioids of all kinds, methamphetamine, Xanax and benzodiazepine drugs, and many other forms of abused substances as well.
The treatment process begins with an initial contact and comprehensive online clinical assessment. Our clinical team evaluates the severity of marijuana addiction using validated diagnostic criteria – including how many DSM-5 criteria are met – and screens for co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, or PTSD.
Failed attempts to quit indicate a need for professional treatment, and clients often experience increased tolerance requiring larger amounts; our assessment captures these patterns along with social isolation that can occur as relationships with non-users deteriorate.
A comprehensive clinical assessment is important for treating addiction because it determines the appropriate level of care. While our virtual IOP serves individuals who are medically stable, those needing higher-level care – such as residential treatment or a partial hospitalization program – are referred appropriately.
Based on assessment results, we collaboratively develop personalized treatment plans that integrate evidence-based treatments with holistic approaches. Each treatment plan specifies the mix of individual therapy, group sessions, family therapy, and holistic practices tailored to the client’s needs, goals, and schedule.
This stage also addresses practical considerations: technology requirements, establishing a private space for sessions, and developing a safety plan. Professional guidance ensures every client enters the program with clarity and confidence.
During active treatment, clients attend regular virtual therapy sessions and group meetings through our telehealth platform. Sessions include structured CBT and DBT curriculum, skill development activities, online holistic practices, and case management services as needed.
Holistic wellness integrates physical wellness and daily routine rebuilding. Stress management techniques are essential for emotional regulation, and our programming weaves these into every week. The virtual format means clients maintain their daily life – work, school, family – while receiving intensive, clinically rigorous substance abuse treatment.
Recovery doesn’t end when the intensive outpatient program concludes. Our team provides continuous virtual check-ins and progress monitoring, tracks outcomes through clinical scales and self-reporting, and develops detailed aftercare plans. Virtual relapse prevention support, alumni peer support groups, and booster sessions help clients sustain their addiction recovery over time.
For clients in structured environments, our Virtual IOP for sober living homes provides additional support.
We also serve individuals attending virtual IOP on probation in California.
Marijuana addiction doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, across Southern California, or anywhere in the state, Shanti Recovery & Wellness provides immediate access to virtual marijuana addiction treatment that fits your life.
And remember, you are far from alone: as we mentioned at the beginning of our article, nearly a third of marijuana users may develop some form of cannabis use disorder. If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana use, drug abuse, or co-occurring mental health challenges, professional guidance is available right now.
Our process is simple: reach out for a confidential assessment, verify your insurance – including Medi-Cal and most private insurance plans – and begin your recovery journey from the comfort and privacy of home.
Please do not hesitate to reach out today for your confidential assessment and support options.
Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are an effective treatment for addiction, and research from organizations like Hazelden Betty Ford demonstrates that virtual IOP delivers outcomes comparable to in-person treatment for substance use disorders.
While long-term data specific to cannabis use disorder and virtual IOP is still developing, the psychosocial interventions used – CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness – are well-supported for marijuana addiction treatment.
Pilot studies using technology-augmented approaches (such as avatar interventions combining VR and CBT) have shown reductions in CUD severity and maintained abstinence over extended periods. Additionally, Marijuana Anonymous is a support group for addiction that can complement clinical treatment.
You’ll need a device with video capability (computer, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space where you can participate without interruption.
All sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software, and our team provides technical setup support before your first session. California’s telehealth policies support both video and audio-only modalities for substance abuse treatment.
Yes. California’s parity laws require equal insurance coverage for mental health treatment, including disorder treatment for substance use. Medi-Cal covers telehealth for SUD services, including virtual intensive outpatient programs. Real-time insurance verification occurs during initial contact. PPO plans receive priority processing for treatment coverage, and authorization for HMO plans typically completes within 24–48 hours.
As of January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal prior authorization decisions must be made within 7 calendar days (72 hours for expedited cases). Veterans can access specialized coverage for cannabis use disorder treatment as well. Substance use disorder treatment includes various levels of care, and our team helps you find the right coverage through your insurance plans. You can also explore options through providers that accept Molina Healthcare insurance.
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Shanti Recovery & Wellness integrates relational and behavioral therapies, along with holistic, medical and psychiatric interventions to help clients reach not only sobriety, but also emotional health and lasting well-being.