Outpatient rehabilitation programs consist of therapeutic sessions that patients can attend at different times of the day or evening. The rest of the time they can stay in their own homes or perform other activities, such as continuing with work or education responsibilities. It is suitable for patients with mild to moderate physical and mental symptoms who are strongly committed to recovery and the discipline it requires.

We assist with outpatient advice

With our network outreach and knowledge of the industry, we can help you with advice and referrals for outpatient programs.

Outpatient program flexibility

Outpatients at rehab centres enjoy the same treatment techniques as inpatients to overcome behaviour and substance use disorders. There are some pros and cons between the two systems, but the main difference is that inpatients have a safer and more focused environment during treatment, while outpatients have more freedom of movement outside the facility and can arrange more flexible times for therapy sessions.

Outpatient program benefits

Outpatient treatment can be a viable option for people who do not want to risk their career or employment security, or who have insurmountable responsibilities that prevent them from staying in a residential facility, away from home, for a relatively long, fixed period of time. Outpatient programs are also more economical for patients who can not afford the cost of residential accommodation in a rehab centre.

Outpatient program suitability

Outpatient programs can be pragmatic alternatives to inpatient programs, but are not suitable for everyone. Patients who have previously tried it and failed to overcome disorders, or who have very severe symptoms, should opt for more intense inpatient programs. Sometimes outpatient services are also not available in small or remote communities. However, it may be the best or only option for many patients.

Outpatient program choices

The main advantage of outpatient rehab programs is that they are flexible. Evening, weekend or other specific times can be arranged for therapy sessions, to minimise conflict with other responsibilities. Even patients with limited or no responsibilities, can benefit by attending comprehensive rehab centre activities during the day, while enjoying the comfort of their own homes and relationships in the evenings.

Outpatient treatment programs for behaviour and substance use disorders offer different types of arrangements, including daytime programs, intensive outpatient programs, evening sessions, and continuing care programs.

Daytime programs provide a high degree of outpatient care. Patients participate in all the daytime activities at a rehab facility and return to their own homes when the daily schedule is completed. As the activities occur during the day, patients have to suspend other daily activities not related to therapy.

Intensive outpatient programs are more flexible than daytime programs. Sessions are scheduled for specific times during the day, evening, weekends, etc. This allows patients to attend to other responsibilities in between therapy sessions.

Evening programs consist of individual sessions between a patient and a therapist, as well as group sessions, all of which take place in the evenings. This allows patients to carry on with normal daytime activities like work, study and other responsibilities.

After completing their formal outpatient treatment programs, some patients attend closed group meetings, referred to as “continuing care groups”, at rehab centres. The groups are supervised by trained therapists and can also supplement ongoing individual therapy sessions.

Voluntary mutual support groups in local communities usually have no trained therapists or professional treatment programs, but help to maintain sobriety after rehab treatment and can even be useful for recovery without formal treatment. Smaller communities have mixed groups of people with roughly similar disorders, while large cities have groups that focus on specific, narrowly defined issues.

Call us for help

It is best to get advice from experienced industry sources about the availability and suitability of outpatient rehab programs for your circumstances. We can assist you with confidential advice and referrals to appropriate persons or facilities. All it takes is a simple phone call. Our phone number is available on this website.

Disclaimer: Information about health issues provided on public platforms is generalised for broad public audiences. Individuals are required to obtain advice for their specific health conditions and circumstances by consulting qualified health professionals in person.