Sometimes, long-term inpatient rehabilitation services are necessary for addressing certain mental and emotional health issues, addiction, or PTSD. In other instances, an individual might not require such extensive care, or be unable to commit to a lengthened stay because of family or work responsibilities. That’s why it’s good to understand how outpatient treatment might help.

What Care Can You Expect?

Treatment centers often offer two types of outpatient services:

• An intensive outpatient program, or IOP
• A partial hospitalization program, or PHP

Both programs provide focused care based on an individual’s needs; aspects of care include, but are not limited to:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Insight into mental health and addiction
• 12-Step programs and other group support
• Coping methods to better manage anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma
• Methods for identifying triggers and managing impulsivity
• Communication, life, and relationship skills
• Relapse awareness and prevention

Some people enter IOP/PHP because they’ve just completed rehabilitation but need additional guidance and support. Others choose one of these programs as a way to start their recovery journey. Still others might require IOP/PHP care because of relapse and want to resume their progress. In all cases, outpatient services help balance accountability with independence.

Programs vary in length and commitment. For example, an IOP might be structured three days a week for four hours a day, or even five days weekly, three hours daily. A PHP often provides daily care for six hours. Some people might rely on outpatient services for 30, 60, or 90 days—sometimes longer in certain circumstances.

Outpatient Treatment Benefits

Few studies have been done to determine a break-out comparison of success between inpatient and outpatient services. After all, there are always numerous individual variables that contribute to someone’s progress. However, some of the benefits of outpatient treatment include:

• It’s more affordable. This allows a person to begin recovery and stability right away.
• It supports the ability to maintain healthy and supportive relationships. Someone with an existing network of support can remain connected and draw strength from it daily.
• It helps keep things “normal.” For a lot of people, keeping some semblance of work and home life along with building upon essential recovery skills is what buoys their success.

There’s also an opportunity to broaden local support. Inpatient facilities often host people from all over the country who then return home. Those in outpatient care together might develop a shared camaraderie and accountability that, in times of need, make getting a cup of coffee or taking a late-night distress call much easier.

Deciding on Outpatient Treatment

As we mentioned, sometimes it’s challenging to seek the treatment you need for better mental and emotional health or to recover from substance use if you have other responsibilities that prohibit inpatient rehabilitation. By no means should you avoid treatment as a result.

Start by having a comprehensive evaluation. Many care centers offer assessment services based on an initial diagnosis from a physician, therapist, or another healthcare provider. You can also contact a facility on your own to discuss current symptoms and potential conditions.

Next, consult your insurance and employment FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) policies to see how their guidelines apply to your situation and what the stipulations are for outpatient services. There shouldn’t be any barriers to the quality care you deserve.

Finally, you or a loved one should research all you can about the potential of each facility to meet your needs, the professional expertise of its staff, and how it will partner with you to accomplish wellness goals and establish a foundation of successful health management. If a facility has a reputable inpatient program, chances are its outpatient programming is just as promising.

Quality Treatment on Your Terms at Cottonwood de Tucson

Cottonwood’s comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services are just a short drive south of Phoenix, set in the beautiful foothills of the Sonoran Desert. Our engaging IOP/PHP gives participants greater long-term outcomes by preparing them to manage their own mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, you or your loved one will learn valuable health and life management skills, along with stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and movement therapy.

Whatever health change you’re trying to achieve, you don’t have to do it alone—and you don’t have to wait to see progress. Starting a comprehensive outpatient program now provides ample opportunities—all you have to do is commit. Reach out to a member of our admissions staff today to see how Cottonwood can become your wellness partner.