What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehabilitation refers to drug and alcohol addiction treatment that takes place in an outpatient setting.

Outpatient drug rehab can be beneficial for a person who is trying to overcome mild addiction or who is transitioning between treatment services from inpatient to long-term recovery maintenance.

A substance misuse problem caught in the early stages can often be successfully treated in an outpatient rehab program.

Individuals with a strong will to succeed and who have a committed, disciplined approach to recovery may benefit from an outpatient treatment program.

An outpatient rehab program offers treatment sessions and various therapies, like support groups, that can be attended at different times throughout the week. This schedule allows patients to continue with their daily responsibilities and live at home, with the understanding that they are required to check into treatment at their allotted times for counseling and medication administration.

Outpatient programs come in various formats, differing intensity levels, and with various services, but the general focus is on counseling, education, and support.

Explore our rehab directory today to find an outpatient drug or alcohol rehab near you.

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Benefits Of Outpatient Rehab

For mild to moderate addictions, outpatient rehab can be a beneficial treatment choice. Some of the biggest reasons to consider an outpatient drug rehab include:

  • Flexibility: Outpatient programs can usually work around your schedule. This is beneficial for those who feel like they can’t leave their job or family for an extended period.
  • Cost: Because you can live at home during outpatient treatment, you don’t have to pay the costs of lodging at an inpatient facility, making it more affordable.
  • Access To Support System: Throughout the outpatient rehab program, family involvement and support are emphasized, as loved ones can help encourage you to stay on the path to sobriety.

Types Of Outpatient Rehab

Factors like the severity of a person’s addiction and stage of recovery can determine the type of outpatient treatment that will be most beneficial for them. The general types of outpatient rehab fall into the following three categories.

1. Day Programs

Outpatient day programs have the highest level of care and structure provided within an outpatient setting. In a day program, clients commit to meeting 5-7 days per week at an outpatient facility for multiple hours each day.

Patients will participate in therapy, group counseling, biofeedback, and other adjunct therapies, such as art or music therapy.

Patients may return home after each session, either to their families or to a sober living home. Day programs require a considerable time commitment, limiting an individual’s availability to work or attend school until the program is finished.

2. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs establish a treatment plan with defined, measurable milestones in place to indicate progress. As these milestones are met, the time commitment required per week decreases.

An IOP is a good option for those who are serious about abstaining from drugs and alcohol but still need to be able to work and perform daily responsibilities. An IOP may require multiple sessions for a few hours each week to conduct counseling sessions, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and attendance at a 12-step program or similar recovery support group.

3. Continuing Care

Continuing care refers to the support plan and services intended for a person following some form of addiction treatment, most often inpatient treatment. Continuing care groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, are ongoing support resources to help individuals solidify their commitment to sobriety.

The groups are typically facilitated by a licensed therapist and meet weekly. Some continuing care groups may be gender-specific or age-specific, and others may focus on a particular aspect of recovery.

How Much Does Outpatient Rehab Cost?

The cost for an outpatient rehab can vary depending on the type of program you choose to attend. However, the costs are significantly less for an outpatient program than an inpatient rehab program.

If you plan to attend an outpatient day program, you can expect costs to be higher if you visit more than 1-2 times a week. You can expect a 1–3-month outpatient rehab treatment to cost between $2,000 and $5,500.

If you have insurance, most companies can help cover some costs associated with outpatient rehab programs. Contact your insurance provider to see what benefits are offered to help offset expenses associated with outpatient treatment. Check if your insurance covers rehab here.

For those without insurance or needing help covering upfront costs, government-funded grants and scholarships may be available to those who meet certain criteria. Some treatment facilities may offer financing plans or use a third-party lender. It’s important to talk to the specific outpatient treatment facility to see what payment options they provide and accept.

Differences Between Inpatient And Outpatient Rehab

Although the types of therapies may be similar in what is offered in an inpatient and outpatient rehab facility, there are some key differences.

Inpatient rehab is a full-time program generally lasting 1-3 months, in which you typically cannot leave the facility during treatment. If someone has a more severe addiction or is in the late stages of their addiction, inpatient programs may be better suited for them, as there is a team available for support 24/7. In addition, the inpatient setting offers an oasis to recover from an addiction, away from the people, places, and situations that may trigger a craving or relapse.

For people who have completed an inpatient treatment program or for those who are primary caretakers, outpatient rehabs offer the flexibility to tend to daily responsibilities while still receiving addiction support. Attendees can live at home and choose the time for counseling and therapy sessions that works best for them. An outpatient program is beneficial for someone who can balance their daily life schedule and still prioritize treatment.

Find Outpatient Treatment

If you are looking to get help for addiction but still need the flexibility to attend to your daily responsibilities, outpatient treatment might be a beneficial option for you.

For more information on available rehab options, contact a treatment provider today.