Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient addiction programs allow patients to live at home while in rehab, but outpatient rehabs can vary in the specific types of services they offer.

If you’re looking to begin a mental health or addiction treatment program, there are several options to consider. Some people begin with an inpatient treatment program, in which they live onsite in a treatment facility while undergoing rehab. 

Others choose an outpatient rehab, where they live at home, so they can continue to work and care for their families while in treatment. Denver Mental Health and Counseling by The Recovery Village is an outpatient mental health and addiction treatment facility. 

Outpatient Rehab

People sometimes use the term “outpatient rehab” as an umbrella term to describe any type of treatment program in which patients do not live onsite at a treatment facility. Those in outpatient care live at home or another sober community setting and attend appointments at a local facility or clinic.

That said, there are multiple levels of outpatient care. In its most technical sense, traditional outpatient rehab is any treatment program that provides under 9 hours of services per week. Patients usually participate in individual and group counseling and attend medical rehab appointments. 

Someone participating in outpatient care may be in the early or mild stages of addiction and only requires a moderate level of care. Others may be stepping down to this level of service after completing an inpatient rehab program. 

Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is one step up from standard outpatient services. Intensive outpatient rehabs provide at least 9 hours of service per week, and just like with standard outpatient care, patients return home after appointments. Patients may travel to a treatment facility several times per week for a few hours each time, and IOPs tend to be more structured than outpatient rehab. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment

Sometimes, patients require treatment for both substance abuse and a mental health disorder. When someone needs treatment for both conditions, they are said to have co-occurring disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about half of people with an addiction will have a mental health condition at some point during their lives, and vice versa. 

When a person has co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, both conditions should be treated at the same time. A variety of behavioral therapies, including a form of counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective for treating co-occurring disorders. Medication to treat the mental health disorder can also be provided if medically appropriate. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

More and more outpatient programs are utilizing an approach called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a form of treatment that combines medication and counseling when treating addiction. MAT is not for everyone and is only provided by a doctor when medically appropriate. 

MAT is often used when treating opioid addiction, as medications can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings. There are also medications available to treat alcohol addiction. 

Individual Therapy

Most individuals in outpatient rehab programs participate in some form of individual therapy. In therapy sessions, they can process their emotions and learn tools for coping with stress in an unhealthy manner. A therapist can also help patients to work through conflict or relationship issues that can interfere with recovery. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy services are also frequently included in outpatient treatment programs. In group sessions, patients are provided with social support from their peers and have someone to turn to during dark times. Being a part of a group while undergoing treatment gives a sense of connection and holds people accountable for staying sober because they’re less likely to disappoint the group.

Get Help Today

If you’re looking for outpatient treatment in Colorado, Denver Mental Health and Counseling by The Recovery Village is here to help. Located in Highlands Ranch, we are convenient to Denver and surrounding locations like Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. Contact us today to get more information about our outpatient services. 

Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Jenni Jacobsen, LSW

Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She has seven years of experience working in the social work field, working with clients with addiction-related and mental health diagnoses. Read more