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What To Expect From Outpatient Treatment

Wondering what outpatient treatment is like? It varies from facility to facility. There are also factors that can impact the individual experience. Some facilities label themselves as outpatient facilities and say they offer intense intervention but offer little more than counseling services. Others offer hours of help, multiple times a week, as well as coordinated care with a healthcare team. Knowing that the experience can vary, here are some of the things you should expect from a high-quality outpatient treatment facility.

You do not live at the treatment facility.

The biggest difference between inpatient care and outpatient care is that you do not live at the facility. If you are traveling for care, this means that you need to make living arrangements nearby. More importantly, it has consequences for maintaining sobriety because access to drugs or alcohol will be easier. That is probably the main thing you should consider when contemplating whether inpatient care or outpatient care is right for you.

Many require sobriety before you begin.

Many, but not all, outpatient treatment facilities focus specifically on helping people maintain sobriety after an initial period of detox or abstinence. As outpatient facilities, they are not necessarily prepared to help medically manage detox in a safe manner. This is not true of all outpatient facilities but is something you should ask about when considering facilities. If they do require you to have detoxed prior to entering the program, most outpatient rehabs work with detox facilities or providers that can help you.

Intensive programming.

Outpatient treatment facilities are not just maintenance programs. Many of them can be 30 hours or more of required therapy and may last for around three months.

Opportunities for individualization.

Generally, outpatient treatment facilities offer greater flexibility and may allow you to establish your program with modified work or school schedules in mind. In addition, treatment options can be tailored to your individual progress and needs.

Coordination with other professionals.

Addiction is rarely a stand-alone problem. Most outpatient treatment facilities will either offer help for other mental health issues or work with other providers. They should also coordinate care with medical providers because of the potential physical health issues that can result from substance abuse. Some outpatient rehab facilities may even coordinate with social workers who can assist with things like job searches or finding better living situations.

Lower costs.

Unfortunately, one of the barriers to getting treatment for a substance abuse problem is cost. Outpatient treatment centers are less expensive than inpatient programs, which makes them more accessible to people. Many insurers are also more likely to cover the lower cost option.

Contact us today.

Not every outpatient rehab facility is for everyone. Contact us today for more information about how Greater Essex could help you.