Outpatient Treatment

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is a type of treatment for substance use in which a person lives at home and participates in their routine life activities while also receiving treatment for their substance use disorder from a licensed treatment facility. In this scenario, a person may be going to work or caring for their children during the day but participating in therapeutic treatments and support groups during times that are convenient for their schedule.

Some might ask, “Who is utilizing outpatient treatment?” Often it is utilized by individuals who have recently completed residential treatment for substance use disorder. These individuals are transitioning out of a more structured environment and re-engaging with day-to-day life. However, they might still need support as they continue to build the skills necessary for substance-free living. Outpatient services are also helpful for those with too many vital commitments for a long-term stay at a treatment center. Outpatient services allow a person to pursue their recovery goals while also prioritizing the care of family members or the next step in a career.

Services Offered in Outpatient Drug Treatment Programs 

In an outpatient treatment program, a person can receive access to the same programs as in an inpatient program, but without living in the facility and following the structured regime present in a residential program. This includes access to therapy provided by our certified substance abuse professionals, our family therapy services, and the use of medication-assisted treatment. Whether participating in inpatient or outpatient treatment, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is committed to providing quality, evidence-based care to you.

What are the Different Types of Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient treatment programs are not all universally the same. Variation exists in the types and intensity of outpatient services offered. A person should be educated on the types of treatment programs available so that they can make an informed decision about their care.

Standard outpatient treatment involves simply going to a nearby treatment center once or twice weekly for care. One type of care provided during outpatient treatment is individualized substance counseling. In this form of treatment, a person works with a certified or licensed counselor to meet substance use-related goals and work on strategies to cope with the issues that encourage substance use in the first place. A certified or licensed counselor can assist a person working on goals related to employment status, illegal activity, family/social relations, or anything related to a person’s substance use disorder.

Many treatment centers use group counseling during outpatient treatment to take advantage of the social reinforcement offered by peer discussion. Group counseling is effective when it is offered in conjunction with individualized counseling or formatted to reflect the principles of evidence-based practices. Many benefit from the support that comes with participation in group settings where a person feels less alone in their journey toward recovery.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a program where a person visits a treatment center for 3 to 5 days a week, with each session usually lasting between 3 and 4 hours. An IOP is more intense than a standard outpatient substance treatment program but still allows a person to participate in their usual responsibilities. Services provided may include family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and medical management when appropriate.

If you are participating in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) you will be at a treatment center for around 4 to 6 hours per day for 3 to 5 days each week. This care method provides the highest level of outpatient support, often with medical services, individual, group, and family therapy, and medication management. Often a PHP is used as a bridge between a residential treatment program and fully independent living after recovery.

How Long is Outpatient Rehab for Alcohol or Other Drugs?

Every treatment plan is unique, and no guarantee on how long your treatment will take. There are some general guidelines for the usual length of treatment. Formal outpatient treatment programs typically last 3 to 12 months, depending on the needs of the person seeking treatment. This period will help a person to continue meeting their recovery goals and integrate new practices into their daily lives.

Behavioral Therapies Used in Outpatient Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a therapeutic approach where a person works with a mental health counselor in a structured way to accomplish their recovery goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps a person become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so they can start thinking about challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.

CBT has been proven to be effective at treating mental health conditions as well as substance use disorders. Participation in CBT as part of their treatment means that a person will have to confront aspects of their life they would rather ignore, sometimes leading to them feeling physically or emotionally drained after a session. It is a good practice to schedule time for a person to process what they have worked through during their therapy session. Cognitive behavioral therapy can often help a person understand the root causes of their substance use disorder and how to address those causes positively.

Pros and Cons of Outpatient Treatment

The best treatment for substance use disorder is typically inpatient treatment. This is because it is important for most people to escape the situations causing them to turn to substance use, and inpatient treatment does that. It acts as a life reset, allowing an individual to pause and reflect on the underlying causes of their substance use while being cared for by trained professionals who understand what it is like to overcome substance use disorder. Outpatient treatment simply does not give a person the access to resources that inpatient treatment does.

Outpatient treatment options give a person access to vital treatments without requiring them to put their lives on pause. For some people, inpatient treatment might be prohibitively expensive. Some individuals may not be able to leave their responsibilities completely for up to 90 days. Due to their financial situation, outpatient treatment might give them the tools needed for recovery in a more cost-effective package.

Outpatient treatment options are safe and effective. Even if they do not have all the benefits of residential treatment, outpatient treatment for substance use disorder is a valid option for a person to pursue their recovery goals.