An outpatient treatment program is one of the smartest ways to continue working with a therapist to treat relationship issues, substance use disorders (SUDs), and other mental health conditions. There are many benefits of outpatient treatment. An outpatient treatment program is less restrictive than inpatient care and allows you to return home after spending several hours in therapy during the day or early evenings. It’s ideal for those who have mild symptoms, can commit to regularly scheduled therapy sessions, and abstain from drugs or alcohol with minimal supervision.
The Right Step is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that works with Texas residents who are searching for an outpatient program. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction and mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is perfect for those transitioning from inpatient care to outpatient treatment.
What is an outpatient program?
An outpatient treatment program is a type of therapeutic program that helps people struggling with a substance use disorder or other mental health conditions. It’s a structured program where you come and talk with a professional therapist in a safe environment. You’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions for several hours during the day and return home at night.
Types of therapy used in outpatient treatment
The types of therapy used in an outpatient program include behavioral and holistic therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness practices
- Adventure therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Medication is very beneficial to those in therapy. They can help ease depression and anxiety symptoms, along with any addiction withdrawals and cravings.
PHP vs. IOP
How long do outpatient programs last? It depends on which type of program you participate in.
PHPs are a step down from inpatient care and prepare the client for an intensive outpatient program. They generally last 1–2 weeks but can go longer if necessary. Clients participate in therapy sessions for 4–8 hours a day, five days a week. When they finish for the day, they go home or to a sober living community.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are for clients who wish to continue their therapeutic journey and reap the benefits. An IOP can last 4–12 weeks, but can continue longer. Clients participate in therapy sessions for 2–5 hours daily to discuss their experiences and fine-tune coping and communication skills.
An outpatient program benefits those who wish to continue talking to a professional therapist and bonding with their peers.
5 benefits of outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment programs are very beneficial for those who participate in the program. They’re more flexible than inpatient treatment, give clients time to focus on their recovery, and can greatly improve coping and communication skills.
1. Supports the integration back into daily life
PHPs are great for helping clients integrate back into their daily lives without fear of relapse or triggering symptoms. They’ll continue working with a professional therapist while spending more time out of therapy at work, school, or caring for family.
2. A more cost-effective program
Outpatient therapy is less intensive than inpatient care and less expensive than other programs. Insurance companies are more likely to cover outpatient programs, making it more accessible to those seeking a mental health treatment program.
3. Continuation of care
Another benefit of PHP is that it provides a continuation of care. Outpatient programs use the same therapeutic methods as inpatient programs to improve clients’ mental health and teach them healthy new coping skills. Clients participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention therapy, adventure therapy, equine therapy, and other programs.
4. Builds a healthy support system
The relationships you build with your peers will become your new support system to help keep you mentally healthy for years. These relationships will help during difficult days when symptoms and triggers reappear. They’ll keep you strong and healthy by simply being there for you in your time of need.
5. Life skills training
Outpatient programs teach you several life skills that’ll benefit you. They’ll teach you the benefits of building safe routines, healthy eating, and staying active.
PHPs offer many additional benefits you’ll experience while participating in the program. Outpatient programs can improve your overall well-being and help keep you on the right path toward a productive lifestyle.
Enroll in our partial hospitalization program at The Right Step today
The Right Step supports those who are struggling with addiction and other mental health conditions and seeking professional help. We have inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to support your recovery from a substance use disorder or a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. You’ll spend several hours a day in therapy while going home at night and continuing to work or go to school while working on improving your mental health.
For more information about our outpatient treatment programs, message us online or call 17135283709 today to schedule a consultation and tour of one of our centers.
