Are you looking for a supportive and comprehensive outpatient program to help you or your loved one through addiction? An outpatient program could be the perfect solution for you. Outpatient programs provide effective care while also allowing clients to maintain their lives outside of treatment—allowing them to continue to work, attend school, keep family roles, and more. From therapy sessions to group activities, these programs have something for everyone looking for extra support in managing your mental health and well-being.
Read on to learn what an outpatient treatment program is all about so that you can make an informed decision on if it’s right for your needs!
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What Is Outpatient Treatment?
The outpatient treatment program is an addiction treatment program designed to help individuals receive treatment for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health disorders without disrupting their regular commitments.
It is a step down from more intensive levels of care, such as intensive outpatient treatment or residential treatment. It is ideal for those who need substance abuse treatment but also require the flexibility to maintain their usual responsibilities and lifestyle commitments outside the program.
Outpatient rehab is for people who do not require around-the-clock care in a hospital setting. The programs can entail various services, from weekly individual therapy sessions to intensive day treatment programs. The primary purpose of these programs is to provide therapy sessions to help individuals manage their addiction. They usually allow attendance at treatment sessions three to six times a week, with each session lasting several hours.
How Outpatient Treatment Program Works
Any treatment program begins with an initial assessment, and this assessment is designed to identify the types of therapies and treatments you might need during the recovery process.
The assessment usually consists of six components:
- Looking at the person’s past experiences dealing with substance abuse and withdrawal.
- Reviewing the person’s medical history.
- Examining the person’s mental health conditions, emotions, and thoughts.
- Determining the patient’s willingness to make the necessary changes.
- Analyzing how the person has continued using drugs or alcohol and assessing the risk of relapse.
- Assessing the person’s living situation and recovery process.
The assessment is essential so that the medical professionals at Long Island Treatment Center can provide you with complete care and address all your issues.
Once all this information has been gathered and an assessment has been made, outpatient treatment can begin. The length of an outpatient program can range from 8-12 weeks, depending on the type of treatment needed. During the program, you will attend multiple weekly sessions with your therapist to discuss how to manage your addiction and develop a plan for your recovery.
After completing the program, you and your healthcare provider will evaluate your progress and decide whether you need a higher level of care or support services, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). These support services are designed for individuals dealing with severe depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and similar conditions which do not meet the criterium for residential treatment or inpatient care.
Outpatient Treatment vs. Inpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment are two different types of rehab programs, and they’re designed to address other needs.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a type of rehabilitation that allows people to receive therapy sessions, detox services, and other treatments while living at home. Compared to inpatient programs, outpatient treatment is usually less restrictive. It is usually suggested for individuals with mild to moderate addictions because it provides more flexibility than inpatient care and doesn’t require constant supervision.
Outpatient rehab is recommended for people who have already completed inpatient treatment and need additional follow-up care. In these cases, 3-5 days per week of therapy is usually suggested to maintain progress and prevent relapse. It usually lasts for a period of 3-6 months, depending on the individual’s needs.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a rehabilitation program where individuals are required to live in an addiction facility for a period of time. This program is specifically designed for people with severe alcohol or drug dependency, as it offers round-the-clock supervision and access to medical care.
The program involves evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), some parts of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness exercises. It also focuses on group therapy and 12-Step meetings. Inpatient programs may include medication management, individual psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, and case management to connect individuals with the community so they can access care even after their initial treatment has ended. It helps them find housing, transportation, employment opportunities, and other forms of support that can help them maintain a successful recovery journey.
Inpatient treatment usually lasts between 30–90 days, depending on the severity of the addiction and other factors. The length of stay may be extended if needed.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Although outpatient treatment is not as intensive as inpatient treatment, it still provides numerous benefits for those recovering from addiction. Here are some of the benefits:
- A more flexible schedule than inpatient treatment allows individuals to attend therapy and counseling while caring for personal obligations.
- More cost-effective compared to residential or inpatient programs.
- Access to educational lectures and seminars, relapse prevention programming, 12-step meetings, family therapy sessions, support groups, and more.
- Continued support from medical professionals and access to other resources in the community.
- The ability to build a strong support system of family members and friends who can help you on your recovery journey.
- Ability to transition from inpatient treatment into partial or intensive outpatient programming for additional support.
Different Outpatient Therapy Sessions
There are two outpatient treatment options:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the most intensive type of outpatient treatment, where an individual is required to attend 5-6 hours of therapy sessions five-six days a week. This program can benefit individuals who have completed inpatient or residential care and need additional support but are not ready to return to their daily activities without extra help.
- Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) is a step down from partial hospitalization and allows individuals to attend therapy sessions for 3-5 hours three-five days a week. This allows individuals to continue their recovery journey while still attending school or work, making it an excellent option for individuals who need more support but cannot commit to full-time rehab.
These levels are usually recommended by a behavioral health professional after residential treatment or after an assessment is done to determine the most suitable level of care.
Detoxification
Outpatient detoxification can be a good option for patients with mild to moderate substance withdrawal symptoms, as it is safe and effective. It’s also more flexible and cost-effective than inpatient detoxification, as it can be done while living at home.
In contrast to outpatient detox, individuals undergoing inpatient detox need to go to a hospital or treatment center for regular physical and mental health assessments. Healthcare providers, such as doctors or clinicians, may provide medications on-site to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and a rapid heart rate.
So when it comes to outpatient vs. inpatient treatment, which is best for you? It all depends on your circumstances and what kind of care you need. It’s important to talk to your treatment provider or addiction specialist about which treatment is right for you and your recovery journey.
Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions are designed to show patients that others are going through the same struggles and hardships. These sessions allow patients to speak about their experiences and behaviors in a safe environment.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions are meant to allow patients to explore their addiction with a licensed and professional therapist. You’ll be able to look at the reasons for your addiction, which should help you understand why it occurred in the first place and how you can manage it in the future. These sessions are designed to help patients learn about themselves, which could aid the recovery process.
Family Therapy
Family therapy sessions allow patients to get in touch with their families and address some of the problems that the addiction may have caused. Family therapy can strengthen the foundation for recovery. All of these therapies come together to bolster the recovery process and reduce the possibility of relapse.
12-Step Program
Most patients who attend an outpatient program will also progress through a 12-step program. This program includes 12 principles that can guide individuals suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction. A core tenet of this program is admitting you are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Along with attending 12-step meetings, these programs also require attendees to find a sponsor to help them progress through the 12 steps.
Relapse Prevention Program
Relapse prevention program: Relapse prevention programs help individuals in recovery learn to recognize cues and signs of relapse and develop strategies to cope with them. This program teaches participants how to manage triggers, identify high-risk situations, develop positive coping mechanisms, and build a strong social support network.
Aftercare Planning
Aftercare plans are personalized treatment plans that outline the steps individuals will take after completing their initial course of treatment to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. It includes activities such as attending support group meetings, utilizing sober living homes or halfway houses, pursuing additional therapy sessions, engaging in recreational activities, and maintaining regular contact with supportive individuals.
Why You Should Obtain Treatment from Long Island Treatment Center
When you sign up for the outpatient rehab program at Long Island Treatment Center, you’ll receive comprehensive care that considers all of your needs.
If you or someone you care about is facing a substance use disorder, trust Long Island Treatment Center to provide top-quality care and treatment. Overcoming addiction is often challenging, and seeking the assistance of a medical expert is crucial.
At Long Island Treatment Center, our team is dedicated in providing personalized care and treatment services for those struggling with addiction. Our treatment facility offers a range of treatment options, including in-person and telehealth services, so no matter what type of treatment you need, Long Island Treatment Center can help you determine the best level of care for you and provide you with the help necessary to achieve sobriety and live a healthier life.
Contact us today and learn more about our outpatient services and how we can help you heal from addiction.