Outpatient rehabilitation treatment can help people with substance use disorders who require support but do not need intensive care for severe symptoms and require the flexibility offered by an outpatient program. Outpatient programs can be of varying intensities, depending on the needs of the individual, and also vary in cost.
- Outpatient treatment can provide many benefits, including supportive medicinal and therapeutic interventions for substance use issues, flexibility around timing, and access to supportive groups.
- Outpatient programs vary in intensity, with standard outpatient treatment often involving one or two appointments per week, while intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs are more intensive and involve many hours per day, several times per week.
- The cost of outpatient treatment programs varies depending on the duration and intensity of treatment.
What is outpatient rehab?
Outpatient rehab is a treatment for substance use disorders that does not require staying in a residential facility. Outpatient rehab programs offer therapeutic programs and addiction treatment in a clinic or office, including individual, family, and group therapy. Some programs might offer support or medications for mild withdrawal symptoms. [1]
Those at the mild to moderate stages of a substance abuse problem may be able to get the help they need from outpatient treatment or an outpatient rehab program. Others with more severe addictions may opt for inpatient rehab or even medical detox and then transition to an outpatient treatment center after discharge or an intensive outpatient program. [2]
Outpatient rehab programs offer treatment for alcohol and drug addiction that can be scheduled during the week and often around other commitments. Outpatient programs vary in intensity, duration, number of appointments, and types of treatment provided.
How does outpatient rehabilitation work?
During an outpatient treatment program, the individual will likely work with a range of professionals to manage their individual treatment needs. A case manager will often oversee their treatment, meeting regularly for reviews and making adjustments as required.
Typically, outpatient programs involve individual and group therapies and can sometimes include medications. Therapy sessions may be once or twice per week for a standard outpatient program, although more intensive programs can involve several days of treatment per week, lasting three to ten hours per day. [3]
Appointments can be arranged around the individual’s schedule, so that they can continue with their usual responsibilities. For example, sessions can be scheduled for the start or end of the day, to fit around work schedules or school routines.
Many people also attend support groups during outpatient treatment and after completing treatment, sometimes years after achieving sobriety. Organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery groups are available in most cities around the US and provide support to people in addiction recovery. These groups tend to be run by people in recovery, as opposed to being facilitated by a counselor. Most groups are free and open to the public. [4]
Is outpatient rehab effective?
Outpatient rehab can be an effective treatment for people with substance use disorders and can provide necessary skills to reach sobriety. People have more successful outcomes in reducing and stopping substance use when utilizing treatment than attempting to do this alone. Generally, people who remain in treatment for longer periods, particularly six months or more, are more likely to have successful outcomes. [5][6]
Studies suggest that outpatient rehab is as effective as inpatient rehab, depending on the circumstances. However, people are more likely to drop out of outpatient rehab, which impacts outcomes. Additionally, people with severe addiction and little social support may do better in inpatient rehab than outpatient. [7]
Types of outpatient addiction treatment programs
There are different types of outpatient drug treatment that are available depending on the level of addiction, dependency, or substance abuse, as well as the type of substance that has been abused. Typical outpatient treatment programs include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient programs (OPs). [1]
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
PHP is often considered the most intense form of outpatient care. While living at home, patients in PHP attend treatment nearly every day–hence the term “partial hospitalization”--typically for about 20 hours per week. This outpatient treatment program is beneficial for those who cannot commit to inpatient care, like those with young children, but who still require a high level of care and support with their recovery.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
IOP requires patients to attend day treatment for around three hours a day, often for five days a week. This can reduce as recovery improves and be tailored around the individual’s needs. Many people use an IOP after attending inpatient rehab or PHP, as a step-down before standard outpatient treatment. [3]
Standard outpatient treatment (OP)
Standard outpatient treatment usually only requires attendance one to two times a week and involves meeting with a counselor for individual, group, or family therapy sessions. This substance abuse treatment can vary in intensity and duration but is often used for those who need less support with addiction. [3]
Outpatient rehab vs. Inpatient rehab: which is right for you?
The right type of treatment for each person can vary, depending on the severity of their addiction, any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions, the type of substance they use, and the cost and duration of treatment.
Someone with a mild or moderate addiction may benefit from outpatient treatment, while someone with a severe addiction may require inpatient care. Consulting with a medical professional or substance use disorder specialist can help with decision-making and provide advice on available treatment options.
Benefits of outpatient drug rehab
Benefits of outpatient drug rehab include: [1][2][3][5]
- Flexible schedule: Appointments can be arranged around personal responsibilities and commitments.
- Provides skills: Therapies involved, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people recognize and adapt addictive behaviors, form new coping skills, and increase awareness of harm reduction techniques.
- Social support: Group therapy and support groups can help people feel a sense of community with others also going through the recovery process, providing advice and support.
- Planning for sobriety: Professionals can help people make changes to their lifestyle to plan for sobriety and form healthy habits and develop relapse prevention plans.
- Identify and address other needs: During treatment, professionals can help identify other needs that need managing, such as mental or physical health symptoms, and housing, financial, or employment issues, making referrals as necessary.
- Motivation: Engaging in a treatment program can help motivate people to maintain their recovery process rather than attempting this on their own.
- Family inclusion: Some interventions might include family members or loved ones, which can help improve support networks for the individual and create more open and effective communication within the home.
Common challenges in outpatient rehab
Outpatient rehab can provide many benefits, although there are often challenges faced with this type of treatment, such as: [7][8]
- Treatment adherence and dropouts: People’s motivation to stay in treatment can change, which may lead to missed appointments or stopping treatment altogether.
- Environmental influences: Living at home while receiving treatment might mean facing triggers and temptations from others, such as family or friends using drugs or alcohol.
- Issues with professionals or therapeutic relationships: Building therapeutic relationships is key to successful treatment. Various factors can cause some people to struggle with this.
- Risk of relapse: The above issues, and others, can cause people to relapse during outpatient treatment, and it can be challenging for them to become willing to restart treatment.
Who is a good candidate for outpatient drug treatment?
Factors that might make someone a good candidate for outpatient drug treatment include: [1][3][5]
- Requiring a low level of support to treat substance use disorders
- Completing other treatments such as inpatient treatment or IOP, needing continued care of lower intensity
- Does not have a severe addiction
- Does not have severe co-occurring mental health issues
- Requiring flexibility around appointment times
- On maintenance medication and requiring ongoing reviews
- Cannot afford inpatient rehab
Cost of outpatient treatment programs
Outpatient treatment programs can vary in cost, depending on the duration and type of treatment provided. A 3-month standard outpatient treatment program can cost on average $5,000, but may range from $1,400 to $10,000. IOPs or PHPs can range from $10,500 to $19,500 for a 30-day program. [9]
Insurance providers will partially or entirely cover outpatient treatment, although this varies depending on the insurance company and service provider. It is advisable to contact the insurance company to determine their level of coverage before starting treatment.
Free addiction treatment and state-funded rehabs are also available across the US for those with a low income.
Remote addiction treatment
Some people may be unable to attend appointments due to financial or transportation issues. Thankfully, there are many forms of remote addiction treatment and support programs that are designed to help those who cannot get access to addiction treatment easily. These include: [10]
- Telehealth services
- Online therapy programs
- Virtual treatment programs, like virtual intensive outpatient programs
- Support group access
Outpatient rehab and recovery services
Following a rehab program, it is important to continue with some level of aftercare, as this can help prevent relapse and provide ongoing support with recovery. This might include continuing with CBT or other therapies that have been a part of treatment. It might also include attending group meetings, such as AA or NA. [11]
Many outpatient rehab programs will provide or help find aftercare services and offer relapse prevention strategies.
Finding the right outpatient rehab for you
When looking for an outpatient rehab option, it is important to consider the severity of the substance dependence requiring treatment and how much professional support, as well as medical supervision, you will need. You may want to speak to your primary care physician or a substance use disorder specialist for advice on appropriate options for you.
The Recovered Directory can help you look for rehab centers in your area.
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