Outpatient substance abuse rehab involves the patient traveling to a center to attend therapy sessions and can return home the same day. While you may be discharged from inpatient rehab because you are doing well enough to go home, you may still need ongoing support and continual accountability to succeed. That is what outpatient rehabs can provide you.
Who is a Candidate for Outpatient Treatment?
An intensive outpatient treatment program offers detox and recovery services through counseling, medication, and support services. Outpatient programs are ideal for those who suffer from mild to moderate addiction.
What does Outpatient Treatment involve?
The initial visit begins with a detailed psychological assessment. Skilled mental health and addiction professionals guide the patient through medically supervised stabilization, which integrates the person into counseling sessions. In addition, medication treatments are initiated.
Intensive outpatient treatment involves a “step-down” level of care program, which offers a flexible alternative to day treatment or residential inpatient care. Patients receive an initial assessment, 12-step multidisciplinary therapy, referrals to community services, and ongoing social support. Depending on the person’s needs, clients can attend treatment 2-4 hours a day, 2-4 days a week.
What is the duration of outpatient treatment?
The duration of an outpatient treatment program varies according to the extent of the addiction, the specific needs of the client, and the philosophy of the facility. Most recovering opiate addicts can expect to spend one to three months receiving outpatient care. However, most serious cases require up to a year or more for proper treatment. Long-term outpatient rehabilitation offers extended counseling for those who are at great risk for relapse.
