Recognizing the need to develop effective treatments for MA dependence, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment has established a multisite Methamphetamine Treatment Program (MTP) to compare the Matrix model treatment program for MA to existing treatments at seven community-based clinics in California, Hawaii, and Montana. An examination of clients receiving services through the program will provide an opportunity to explore particular issues of diverse special populations who are affected by the problem of MA dependence. These special populations include rural Americans, Native Americans, Hawaiians, gay and bisexual males, and drug court participants. The authors specifically look at cultural, geographic, and situational barriers to accessing and completing treatment and present strategies that have been used to overcome these barriers. The authors believe that determining key elements of effective treatment for MA abuse and dependence is an extremely complex problem. The MA drug use pattern is highly variable, the drug can be administered by a variety of routes, and triggers for cravings and use vary widely. This is made even more complicated when addressing the needs of special populations that have been affected by MA. The MTP offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the Matrix model and other approaches to MA treatment in a variety of settings and with a variety of patient populations. 28 references