Inpatient treatment involves staying in a residential facility and receiving 24-hour care, while outpatient treatment involves staying at home and attending regular appointments. The type of treatment appropriate for each person will depend on their needs and addiction severity, among other factors.
- Inpatient treatment can be provided at a rehab center or residential facility, where people stay for a period to receive medical, psychological, and holistic therapies and 24-hour monitoring.
- Outpatient treatment involves attending appointments at a center, clinic, or other facility, or over the phone, while continuing to live at home.
- Inpatient treatment might be more appropriate for someone with a more severe addiction or dependence, whose living environment does not support recovery. Whereas outpatient treatment might be more appropriate for someone with less severe addiction who can safely remain at home while receiving treatment.
Outpatient vs. inpatient levels of care
The main difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that inpatient care involves individuals staying at a facility 24 hours per day for the duration of the treatment, while outpatient care involves attending appointments while still living at home.
Inpatient treatment is provided in a hospital or specialist center and can be used to treat a range of mental and physical health issues and substance use disorders. People with a severe condition that cannot be managed effectively at home may require the intensive monitoring and care of inpatient treatment.
Outpatient treatment can include varying amounts and durations of medical and psychological interventions but allows the individual to continue living at home and sustaining their regular routine and responsibilities. [1]
Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Key differences
| Inpatient | Outpatient | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical supervision | 24 hours per day. | Regular check-ins and appointments. |
| Living arrangement | Residential. | Living at home. |
| Conditions treated | Treat a range of physical health, mental health, and substance use issues. | Treat a range of physical health, mental health, and substance use issues. |
| Treatment duration | Typically 30, 60, or 90 days. | Often several months, or even years. |
| Cost | Can be costly, on average $6000 for a 30-day program. | Less costly, on average $5000 for a 3-month program. |
| Treatment schedule | Comprehensive daily schedule involving several interventions. | Group or individual therapy sessions once or twice per week. |
Pros and Cons of each
| Inpatient | Outpatient | |
|---|---|---|
| PROS | Drug-free environment. The treatment program involves a range of therapies. Access to on-site professionals. Can be partially or entirely covered by insurance. Helps prevent relapse. | Can remain living at home. Do not have to be separated from loved ones to access treatment. Can tailor treatment schedules around daily routines. Lower costs. Can utilize community support and practice new skills daily. |
| CONS | High costs. Staying at a facility away from loved ones. Cannot continue with usual routines or responsibilities. Short-term programs might require additional intervention after. Cannot practice or utilize new skills within a normal environment or community until after treatment. | Might be exposed to substance use. Can’t access immediate care in an emergency or when requiring support. Commit to a long-term treatment program. It might take longer to recover. Higher risks during withdrawal. |
Which best meets your needs?
Choosing between inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs can involve considering various factors, such as: [2][3][4]
- Severity of condition: Typically, people with a more severe addiction may be better suited to inpatient care, as it can be a safer setting to withdraw from substances with more intensive treatment.
- Home environment: Someone with a supportive and drug-free home environment may be able to better manage outpatient care than those without.
- Costs: Inpatient treatment often costs more than outpatient treatment.
- Social support: Strong support networks can be beneficial during outpatient treatment, while a lack of social support may impair outcomes.
- Responsibilities and schedules: People with family, career, or time-sensitive responsibilities may prefer outpatient treatment.
- Professional advice: Speaking to a professional can help make this decision, as they may recommend a certain type of treatment after assessing individual needs.
Transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care
Some people utilize inpatient care initially to help manage the acute phase of their illness or condition. In the case of substance use, this might involve staying at a center to facilitate detox and initial rehab treatment, followed by outpatient care when they are more stable. This is often referred to as a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
During inpatient treatment, the individual’s care team will assess their needs throughout to ensure that the appropriate level of care is provided. When inpatient treatment is no longer required, the individual will be supported in stepping down to a less intensive program, such as intensive outpatient care (IOP) or standard outpatient care. The individual and their team will formulate a plan for follow-up care or aftercare, which will vary depending on their specific needs.
Cost comparison
Typically, inpatient rehab costs more than outpatient rehab, with a 3-month outpatient program costing around $5k, and inpatient rehab averaging $13,475.[9] The cost of both can vary significantly depending on location, care needs, additional needs, and the type and duration of treatment.
Insurance coverage
Most insurance providers will partially or entirely cover the cost of substance use disorder treatment, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. This will vary depending on the insurance company and service provider and may include limitations or time caps. As such, it is advisable to contact the insurance company before commencing treatment to discuss costs and payment plans. [5]
Important factors to consider when choosing treatment
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can provide benefits and positive outcomes for substance use disorders. The effectiveness of treatment can vary depending on the individual.
However, results from various studies suggest:
- People with poor mental health and/or social support have better outcomes from inpatient than outpatient care. [3]
- People with good mental health and/or social support have equal outcomes from inpatient and outpatient care. [3]
- People with recent suicidal ideation are more likely to maintain abstinence posttreatment if they received inpatient care. [6]
- Dropout rates for inpatient treatment programs are lower than for outpatient programs. [6][7]
- People with a severe addiction have better outcomes from inpatient care than from outpatient care. [4][8]
- Recovery outcomes are improved by utilizing longer-term care. [2][8]
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