What is an Outpatient Program?
The key difference between the outpatient treatment plan and inpatient therapy is that outpatient programs do not require patients to be monitored on-site 24 hours a day at rehab. Instead, they receive treatment during the day and return home at night to sleep. This level of care allows patients to recover from substance addiction more flexibly. Allowing patients more control over when they prefer to be treated gives them a sense of control in the process. This, in turn, teaches coping strategies and reduces anxiety and depression, making the overall treatment more effective
There are several levels of care for those considering outpatient treatment:
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial Hospitalizations Programs (PHPs), are the highest level of care at the outpatient level. Most individuals attend the facility for up to six hours per day, most days of the week. This is ideal for those who are newly in recovery, or need additional mental healthcare services during the day.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are a variation of the OP but are known to be more rigorous compared to regular outpatient programs. Patients undergoing intensive outpatient treatment will receive the same treatment as inpatients during the allocated times in blocks but will be unable to rearrange their time slots as outpatients can. Additionally, the patients in IOPs will have to complete the full treatment hours before applying for a reassessment.
Outpatient Program
Our general outpatient program is the lowest level of care and only requires an individual to attend the facility a few hours per day, a few times per week. This level of care focuses on improving the mental state of each patient through the use of social and emotional support and behavioral adjustments as individuals begin to increase their responsibilities and integrate back into their daily responsibilities.
Who Benefits from Outpatient Programs?
Most adolescent drug abuse treatment is done through outpatient programs. When combined with other treatments, such as therapy sessions, peer support groups, and medications, the treatment program can be highly effective. The following individuals benefit the most from this level of are:
- Patients who are in the early stages of alcohol or drug addiction with mild substance use disorder.
- Patients looking to continue their follow-up treatment after leaving residential or inpatient treatment.
- Patients who have a supportive group of friends, family, and relatives.
- Patients who cannot afford inpatient treatment programs.
- Patients who are self-motivated and willing to make changes in their lives, allowing them to be committed to their recovery goals and keep a strict schedule.
Unsure if this level of care is a good fit for you and your needs? Reach out to us at any time! We are happy to help you determine the best fit for your unique needs, and answer any questions you may have about enrolling in outpatient treatment.
What to Expect: Outpatient Services with Harmony Outpatient
An outpatient is required to come in for at least 6 to 20 hours per week, depending on the severity of their condition. Those with mild withdrawal symptoms with a low possibility of relapse may only be subjected to one to two weekly sessions. Patients with co-occurring disorders such as severe mental illness and self-harming or destructive tendencies may require additional sessions and more hours throughout the week.
Listed below are the practices that are used in most OP plans, which will be chosen and adapted to fit each patient more personally:
- Substance abuse education
- Cravings and triggers management
- Treatment for mental health issues
- Therapy (individual and group therapy)
- 12-step program
- Transitional living facility referrals (including sober living homes)
- Relapse prevention training
- And More
Although the outpatient setting is often more flexible than the alternative, it does not mean there are no rules, regulations, or boundaries during the recovery process. The patient will still have to complete the program within time to be deemed ready for reintegration. Additionally, the safety and well-being of the patients and family members are of the utmost importance, which means that if the patients are being abusive at home, their OP treatment plan will be taken away. As mentioned, the treatment requires a high level of social support—if the patient does not have this available, they may not be eligible for outpatient rehab programs.
Finding Sustainable Recovery with Harmony Outpatient
Addiction treatment is a trying period in a person’s life. It can be an excruciating, stressful, and physically challenging process; therefore, a patient should receive all the help they can get to guide them through the recovery process. One of the key elements to designing an effective addiction treatment plan is catering to individual patients’ needs for support, which is why the outpatient treatment program (OP) was developed.
At Harmony Outpatient, we are dedicated to providing customized care for your or your loved one. With a wide variety of unique programs, we work directly with you to ensure you are receiving the right level of care, right when you need it.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us at Harmony Outpatient Center anytime. Together, we can discover what type of addiction treatment services can help you reach your health and sobriety goals. Reach out today!
