Residential Vs. Outpatient Rehab

The first step to recovery from addiction is coming to terms with your addiction and seeking help. Now that you are looking for a treatment program, you must find one that works best for you. Two terms you will encounter while searching are “residential” and “outpatient.” But, how do residential and outpatient rehab programs compare, and which type of program will be best for you?

How Do Residential and Outpatient Rehab Programs Compare?

The primary difference between residential and outpatient rehab programs is where you reside during treatment. During a residential rehab program, you will live in the treatment facility. On the other hand, during outpatient rehab, you can live on your own, with family, or in a sober living program.

Thus, the main way that residential and outpatient rehab programs compare is where you live during your program. However, each type of rehab program offers different types of services and levels of care. You can compare each type of rehab program to determine what works best for your needs.

What is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab means that you don’t live in the same facility where you receive treatment. You come to the program for a certain number of hours during the day and return home at night. During outpatient rehab, you can live on your own, with family members, or in a sober living home.

Throughout an outpatient program, you get a mix of group and individual therapies. You will also take part in recovery-oriented activities, like experiential groups, as well as, psychoeducational courses. In addition, outpatient programs vary in terms of how intensive the level of care is throughout treatment.

Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs

Compared to residential treatment, outpatient rehab programs offer a variety of levels of care. You can transition from a higher level of care (more intensive) to a lower level, depending on their needs. That way, you can progress through lower levels of care as you advance in your recovery.

The following are the types of outpatient rehab programs we offer at North Atlanta Behavioral Health:

• Outpatient Detox Program: Detox is the first step for recovery from addiction. At our outpatient detox program, you would check in at the facility once per day. During outpatient detox, you must have a safe and secure living environment. Otherwise, you could be at a higher risk of relapsing. 
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP programs are the highest level of care offered at most outpatient facilities. These programs occur from Monday through Saturday and last about seven hours each day. You get a variety of services, such as group therapy, peer support, and recovery activities.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): During IOP programs, you attend your program for less time per day than PHP. This allows for flexibility if you are busy with other responsibilities.
• Evening IOP: Many IOP programs have some daytime hours. However, with an evening IOP program, you can attend your program after work or school. Evening IOP programs offer even more flexibility while maintaining a similar level of care as a regular IOP.

What is Residential Rehab?

A residential rehab program, also called inpatient rehab, is a type of treatment program where you live in the facility throughout the program. During residential rehab, you get 24/7 support and supervision from professional staff. You also live among your peers in recovery and learn from one another’s shared experiences.

Throughout your stay, your schedule will include individual therapy, support groups, life-skills training, and experiential therapy. At a residential treatment facility, you can expect additional services and amenities, such as:

• Recreational activities
• Nutritious meals
• Shared or private bedrooms

Residential rehab programs can last from 30 to 90 days. Some extend their stay past 90 days depending on their needs.

You can expect more restrictions throughout residential programs compared to outpatient rehab. For example, you might have limited visitations or surrender your cell phone during your stay. But, these restrictions will help you focus on your recovery with minimal distraction.

Which Type of Program is Best for Me?

When you compare residential and outpatient rehab programs, you want to get to the bottom line—which program do you need? Choosing between residential and outpatient rehab depends on your needs in recovery and your availability to attend treatment.

Residential rehab might be best for you if:

• You have tried outpatient rehab before and haven’t been successful.
• Your current living environment is not conducive to sobriety.
• You have a severe and long-term addiction.
• You had severe withdrawal symptoms, like delirium tremens, and needed inpatient detox.
• This is your first attempt at recovery.

On the other hand, outpatient rehab could be best for you if:

• You have a safe and stable home environment.
• You have a robust natural support system, including family members, friends, and peers.
• Work, school, or family obligations have been a barrier to obtaining treatment.
• You had a minor slip in your recovery, but don’t need inpatient services to get back on track.
• You are required to attend outpatient rehab for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or a sober living program.

Overall, you need to find the level of care that is effective for long-term recovery from addiction.

Begin Outpatient Rehab in Atlanta Today

If you are looking for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment, you might ask how residential and outpatient rehab programs compare. At North Atlanta Behavioral Health, we offer outpatient rehabs that allow clients to live within the comfort of their own homes throughout treatment. In addition, we work with clients in sober living programs as well as those transitioning from residential rehab.

Call us today to ask which type of rehab program is best for you. Whether our outpatient rehab programs are a good fit for you or not, we can help you find solutions to meet your needs.