Outpatient treatment facilities are an alternative to inpatient treatment facilities when an individual cannot commit to a lengthy stay due to outside responsibilities. Outpatient facilities come in all shapes and sizes and some might resemble a doctor’s office or a small clinic. Others might look like offices with conference rooms. However the facilities are designed, the goal is the same—to treat substance abuse addiction.
Treatment in an outpatient facility can vary but most offer day programs, intensive outpatient programs, or continuing care and each may vary in terms of days per week and number of weeks required for participation.
Day Programs
Day programs provide a high level of care with structured programs. An individual in a day program can expect to attend meetings 5-7 days per week for multiple hours per day. During the hours specified, individuals will attend group meetings, individual therapy, and other interventions such as art or music therapy. At the end of each day, the individual will return home or possibly a sober living home. Day programs are time intensive and may limit the amount of time an individual can work or go to school. Family members can participate in outpatient day programs to help support those in recovery.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
If an individual participates in an intensive outpatient program, they will set goals and establish a treatment plan with a mental health professional. These goals and plans are designed to assess how well the individual is doing and if certain milestones are met. If the individual meets certain milestones, the amount of time needed to participate in this program will decrease. Intensive outpatient programs may require multiple sessions for a few hours each week. In this program, individuals may engage in individual counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention, and 12-step meetings.
Continuing Care
Continuing care are groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous that meet weekly, typically facilitated by a mental health professional. Individuals who opt for continuing care will need to attend these weekly meetings and may even need to engage with a sponsor. Some facilities will offer continuing care programs which focus on relapse prevention and identifying triggers. Additionally, individuals will be given the tools and resources to develop coping strategies that support a sober and clear lifestyle.
Outpatient treatment facilities were designed to help the individual actively participate in their recovery efforts while maintaining employment or other outside responsibilities. They can be a good alternative if someone is not able to commit to inpatient care.
Our family of dynamic recovery professionals works to serve you and your family through every step of the journey to recovery. Help is one phone call away. From intervention to Safe Passage Transportation, all of the service and coordination by Hired Power is designed to help you and your family focus on bringing recovery home. Call 714-559-3919 today for more information.
