Programs that specialize in providing therapeutic interventions that are based on the theory developed by Freud that the roots of human behavior lie in unconscious motivation and conflict. It takes as its point of departure the concept of the libido (sexual energy), and suggests that the individual's overall development and ability to adjust to life's problems depend on how sexual energy develops in the child, whether it is normal or repressed and distorted into unhealthy channels. Psychoanalysis as a therapy attempts to overcome repressions, often by exploring their origins in childhood in order to release energy for healthy, normal living. Psychoanalysts accomplish this largely by means of free association, dream analysis and working through transference issues over time to overcome resistance and get at the sources of the unconscious impulses. Psychoanalytic psychotherapists accomplish the same objective through utilization of more directive interpretation and a face-to-face therapeutic setting, and focus on the relationship of present behavior to childhood patterns rather than utilize free association.

Programs that utilize a variety of means to evaluate the mental or emotional status or functioning of people who may be experiencing acute or chronic disturbances. Diagnostic techniques may include observation of the person's behavior, interviews with the individual and significant others, psychological testing as indicated, medical examination, assessment for psychotropic or other medication, and the formulation of an appropriate, ongoing treatment plan which may include voluntary or involuntary hospitalization.

Programs that utilize one or a variety of techniques including aversion therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, and individual and/or group therapy or mutual support groups to help people who wish to control their dependence on nicotine and give up regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vaping), cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff or other substances containing nicotine. Included are smoking "quitlines" which provide information and counseling about tobacco use for people who prefer a telephone-based service. While some people tout e-cigarettes as a way to give up smoking regular cigarettes, mounting evidence shows that teens and young adults who use e-cigarettes are far more likely to end up smoking traditional cigarettes one year later.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.