Outpatient rehab programs can vary quite a bit based on the type of treatment you need. Read on to learn a bit about the several kinds of evidence-based outpatient care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs are more structured than traditional outpatient programs. This kind of program is great for individuals who do not require round-the-clock care but need a bit more support.
Intensive outpatient treatment is also a great option for people who have completed inpatient treatment.
IOP is a regimented treatment offering that does not require individuals to stay at a rehab center for the duration of their program, but rather during active treatment. In other words, individuals will have scheduled treatments, but can go home in between these treatments.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Partial hospitalization is a good option for people who may not need 24-hour supervision but are in need of a very structured treatment schedule.
Much like IOP, individuals in PHP are still not required to live in a facility, but rather are expected to be in the facility for scheduled treatment.
PHP typically lasts for several hours a day and up to five days a week. Treatment may include counseling, behavioral therapies, and more.
Outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is a kind of treatment service that uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat substance use disorder (SUD). MAT can help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with SUD.
MAT is available in both inpatient and outpatient formats. Inpatient MAT provides constant supervision and may be best for people who are just starting out their recovery journey.
On the other hand, outpatient MAT is usually available for people who are approved for take-home medication.
To be approved, most individuals will need to have shown significant progress in their recovery, enough to the point that they do not need medical supervision on a daily basis.
Methadone take-home doses, for example, can be offered during different stages of recovery on an outpatient basis for people in addiction treatment for opioids.
Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment
Dual diagnosis outpatient programs are those that offer co-occurring disorder treatment. Co-occurring disorders are mental health disorders that often occur alongside addiction. Many times, these disorders are the root of addiction.
Dual diagnosis programs address SUD and mental health conditions simultaneously.
Treatment can include services such as:
- Counseling
- Antidepressant or anti-anxiety meds
- Group therapy
- Individual therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
The idea is to reframe one’s mindset and find healthier coping mechanisms as a means of relapse prevention.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is a very common type of outpatient treatment as it’s easily tailored to individual needs.
Counseling may be used to help people work through any trauma or stressors in their lives that exacerbate their addiction, create healthier perspectives and behavioral patterns, and provide an outlet.
Support Groups
Support groups are groups of people who have SUD that meet on a regular basis to discuss their experience with addiction, successes, strategies, and even failures.
Offered during rehab programs and as an aftercare option, support groups provide a sense of comradery as well as an opportunity to connect with peers and be held accountable by others.
Aftercare & Continuing Care Outpatient Services
Aftercare and continuing care outpatient services are services people seek out after completing treatment.
These services can vary from individual to individual based on their needs, but common services include individual counseling, therapy sessions, group therapy, support groups, and educational programs.
Twelve-step programs are another common choice for people seeking continuing care. Common programs include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These are structured programs designed to help people work through addiction among a group of peers.