DWAI Therapy in Durango, Colorado
Preferred Counseling: Helping DWAI Offenders in Durango, CO
Preferred Counseling, located in Durango, CO, is a licensed therapy firm approved by the Office of Behavioral Health in Colorado to offer therapy for DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) offenders. Their services help individuals address the behaviors and decisions that led to their DWAI, fulfilling court mandates while encouraging personal responsibility.
Why Therapy is Mandated for DWAI Offenders
Therapy is often required for DWAI offenders to address potential substance abuse and decision-making issues that contributed to impaired driving. The aim is to reduce the risk of reoffending by helping individuals understand the impact of their actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
How a DWAI Affects Life
A DWAI conviction can result in fines, community service, and possible jail time, as well as personal consequences like increased insurance costs and damage to relationships or career prospects. Therapy provides an opportunity to prevent further legal issues by addressing the factors that led to the offense.
Tracks A through F, What are the Differences?
Track A DWAI Therapy
- Who: Usually first-time DUI/DWAI offenders with a lower BAC (under 0.15) and minimal substance-related risk factors.
- Length of Therapy: 42 total hours of therapy over approximately 21 weeks (group typically meets 2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Group therapy sessions focusing on education, risk-awareness, and basic relapse-prevention tools.
- May include brief individual check-ins with a counselor.
Track B DWAI Therapy
- Who: Often first-time offenders with a higher BAC (0.15+), or those whose evaluation suggests moderate risk factors.
- Length of Therapy: 52 total hours of therapy over approximately 26 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Group therapy with more emphasis on coping skills, substance use patterns, and lifestyle changes.
- Possible additional requirements like random testing.
Track C DWAI Therapy
- Who: Typically individuals with two or more alcohol/drug-related driving offenses, or who demonstrate a higher level of substance use risk.
- Length of Therapy: 68 total hours of therapy over approximately 34 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- More extensive group therapy focused on deeper behavioral changes, addiction topics, and relapse prevention.
- Closer monitoring, possible individual therapy sessions, and structured recovery goals.
Track D DWAI Therapy
- Who: Multiple repeat offenses, significant history of substance misuse, or other high-risk factors identified in clinical evaluation.
- Length of Therapy: 86 total hours of therapy over approximately 43 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Long-term, intensive group therapy aimed at addressing chronic substance misuse and persistent high-risk behaviors.
- May include more frequent individual sessions, psychiatric/medical referrals, and ongoing compliance checks.
Track F DWAI Therapy
- Who: Often assigned for multiple DUI convictions that rise to the level of a felony DUI (for example, fourth or subsequent offenses) or individuals deemed to need very intensive and extended treatment.
- Length of Therapy: Can extend beyond the standard timelines. Exact hours and duration are determined by severity and court/clinical requirements. Generally Track F participants can expect 180 total hours of therapy over approximately 18 months.
- What’s Included:
- Comprehensive, long-term treatment planning, often involving multi-agency coordination (court, probation, treatment, possibly mental health services).
- Rigorous monitoring, possible specialized groups or additional supports like sober living requirements.
Therapy as a Preventive Step
In therapy, DWAI offenders explore their substance use patterns, decision-making processes, and emotional triggers. They learn strategies to manage stress, avoid risky behaviors, and make safer choices in the future. This process helps individuals avoid repeating their mistakes and supports long-term behavioral change.
What is Covered in DWAI Therapy
Therapy sessions at Preferred Counseling typically focus on:
- Understanding the personal and societal impact of impaired driving
- Identifying patterns in substance use
- Developing better emotional regulation and decision-making skills
- Creating a plan to avoid relapse and reoffending
Preferred Counseling’s structured, evidence-based approach helps clients move forward with practical tools for preventing future DWAI incidents and addressing underlying issues that contribute to impaired driving.

Bradley Hargett
M.A., LPC, NCC
Bradley Hargett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) at Preferred Counseling in Durango, Colorado. He specializes in DUI & DWAI therapy, helping individuals navigate substance-related legal issues through compassionate and effective counseling. Bradley also facilitates state-mandated classes, providing education and support for clients seeking positive life changes.
With a Master’s degree in Counseling and extensive experience in addiction recovery, Bradley uses evidence-based techniques tailored to each client’s needs. His supportive and non-judgmental approach empowers clients to build healthier habits and achieve long-term success, making him a trusted resource for personal growth and recovery.
Contact
1315 Main Avenue
Suite 212
Durango, CO 81301
DUI Classes and Therapy in Durango, Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, Bayfield, Silverton, Mancos, Cortez and Beyond.
Fees
Intake Fee $50
Group Sessions $40
Individual Sessions $100
Couple Sessions $120
Sliding scale: apply for eligibility
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