Outpatient Rehab

“Outpatient rehab” is a catchall term for programs that are not residential. Patients live at home while receiving treatment, often a combination of medication, individual counseling, and group meetings. Programs vary in terms of time commitment and structure, ranging from PHP (partial hospitalization) to IOP (intensive outpatient) to simply receiving medication from a clinic.

PROS: Outpatient treatment is ideal for patients who have stable housing and support from family or friends—for those who want, and can handle, the freedom to work, care for children, and deal with daily life. It’s also a common next step for those who have completed an inpatient or detoxification program. Patients are held accountable but without the substantial structure and demands of inpatient rehab.

CONS: For some patients outpatient rehab may not offer enough structure and supervision. This is particularly true for those who are suffering from severe addiction, serious behavioral health concerns or mental illness, or whose environment at home is unsupportive or triggering for substance use.