Outpatient Treatment for Addiction

Outpatient rehab programs provide treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) at a program site, but patients live at home or in an independent sober living facility.¹ There are different types of outpatient rehab programs, which can vary in duration, intensity, and level of support.¹

This page will help you learn more about the different types of outpatient rehab programs available, the benefits of these programs, and how to find outpatient treatment for addiction near you.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient rehab is a type of treatment program that allows patients to receive counseling, therapy, and support for substance use disorder (SUD) while living at home or in a sober living facility.¹ Patients can maintain responsibilities at home, school, or work as outpatient treatment often occurs in the evening or on weekends.¹

Outpatient treatment can be a good option for patients who have completed a higher level of care (e.g., inpatient treatment) and can attend regular appointments and counseling sessions.² Because patients live on their own, it’s important they have a stable, supportive living environment and reliable transportation to treatment.²

Types of Outpatient Treatment Programs

There are various types of outpatient rehab programs available. Types of outpatient care include intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), both of which offer a high level of support.¹ Standard outpatient programs are also available and are lower intensity than IOPs and PHPs. These programs may meet just 1-3 times per week.¹

Upon entering treatment, patients receive a comprehensive assessment to determine the right services and treatment settings for them.^{1, 3} A patient may require different services and treatment settings throughout their recovery.³ For example, a patient may step down from an inpatient program to a PHP as they progress through treatment.⁴

Intensive Outpatient Programs

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) typically offers at least 9 hours of structured programming per week in 3-hour sessions.⁴ Patients may start with 3 hours of treatment per day, 5 days per week, and gradually decrease in intensity to once per week as they progress in treatment.⁴  An IOP is more supportive than standard outpatient treatment but less supportive than a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or inpatient rehab.⁵

People may attend an IOP if they don’t meet diagnostic criteria for inpatient placement, as a step down from inpatient or PHP care, or as a step up from standard outpatient treatment.^{5 (par. 1 in section after ‘Conclusions’)}

Some of the goals of an IOP are to help patients learn relapse prevention skills, build support through peers and support groups, remain engaged in treatment, and manage physical and psychological symptoms.⁶

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program (PHP), also known as day treatment, is similar to an IOP but involves a higher level of intensity and support.⁴ Patients in a PHP typically attend treatment 6-10 hours a day, or at least 20 hours a week of structured programming, depending on the program.⁴

Like an IOP, services may include group and individual counseling, family therapy, occupational and recreational therapy, and medication management, but on a more frequent basis.⁴

A PHP can be used as a step down from inpatient care or a step up from an intensive outpatient addiction treatment program.⁴ Patients who require a higher level of care but are unable to attend inpatient treatment may also enter a PHP.⁴

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Programs for Addiction?

Outpatient programs including IOPs and PHPs offer several benefits for patients who need a higher level of support but want to continue living at home.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), intensive outpatient treatment for addiction can be just as effective as inpatient and residential treatment for patients who have less severe symptoms, reduced risk of withdrawal severity, and do not need a program that offers 24-hour supervision.⁶

Other benefits of outpatient rehab include:^{3, 6}

• Flexibility in treatment delivery as outpatient programs often offer day, evening, and weekend programming.
• Fewer restrictions than in inpatient programs, which can help patients attend to responsibilities at home, school, or work.
• Real-time skills training as patients have the opportunity to practice recovery skills in day-to-day life.
• Cost savings, as outpatient treatment typically costs less than inpatient treatment.

What Services Do Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment Programs Offer?

Outpatient rehab programs offer various services, but patients can expect a combination of behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, and medication as needed.³

As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, outpatient programs may also offer:³

• Clinical and case management.
• Continuing care.
• Substance use monitoring.
• Medical and mental health services.
• HIV/AIDs services.
• Family and childcare services.
• Financial services.
• Housing and transportation services.
• Educational services.
• Vocational services.
• Legal services.

Outpatient Therapies

During outpatient treatment, patients receive various behavioral therapies in group and individual settings.³ Outpatient therapy can include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify and replace unhelpful behaviors and thoughts related to substance use.³
• Contingency management (CM), which provides positive reinforcements, such as tangible rewards, when a patient achieves desired behavioral outcomes, like negative drug tests.³
• Motivational interviewing (MI), which helps patients work through their ambivalence about making changes, increase their motivation, and develop a plan to make desired life changes.⁴
• 12-step facilitation therapy, which helps patients become familiar with and engage in 12-step self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).³
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps patients achieve abstinence through various interventions, including skills training and mindfulness.⁷
• Family therapy, which can help address relationship and family issues and dynamics that may be related to or contribute to substance misuse.⁶
• Relapse prevention training, which teaches patients the necessary skills to avoid substance use and achieve long-term recovery.¹

Outpatient Rehab Centers

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading addiction treatment provider with facilities throughout the U.S. The following AAC facilities offer outpatient treatment:

• Greenhouse Treatment Center in Grand Prairie, Texas
• Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, Mississippi
• River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, Florida
• Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Florida
• AdCare Rhode Island in several locations in the state

AAC works with top insurance providers meaning treatment may be fully or partially covered. If you’re interested in an AAC facility, check your coverage by filling out the short form below. It’s confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.

How Can I Find Outpatient Drug Rehab Near Me?

If you or a loved one are ready to start the path to recovery, you can find addiction outpatient treatment in different ways, including:

• Scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your needs and get referrals.
• Using our rehabs directory to find treatment across the country. You can narrow your search by filtering the results by insurance, location, and type of care.
• Contacting your insurance provider to check your insurance coverage and inquire about treatment providers.

If you have questions, we’re here to help. Contact one of our caring admissions navigators at to learn more about outpatient drug treatment.

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