Recovery from drug and alcohol use disorder is a personal journey. Outpatient rehab is important for many people after the first stages of treatment.
The recovery journey often starts with detox to remove substances from the body. However, effective treatment continues beyond that.
After detox, some people go to inpatient rehab. Others may start with outpatient treatment. This choice depends on their needs and situations.
For those who complete inpatient rehab, outpatient care is often the next step. However, many individuals who don’t need inpatient treatment may start outpatient rehab immediately after detox.
Outpatient rehab is a type of support that helps you get care. You can receive this care without staying in a residential facility. You can continue living at home, go to work or school, and take care of your family, all while attending structured therapy sessions.
The best part of outpatient rehab is that treatment plans are flexible. They are made to fit your life and needs.
Typically, you’ll attend therapy, counseling, and educational programs at a treatment center. These programs help you build the tools you need for long-term recovery. And because every person’s journey is different, the level of intensity in outpatient rehab can vary. Treatment is personalized to fit your challenges and goals.
Outpatient clinics usually offer care that falls into three categories: partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and general outpatient programs. The level of care you need depends on your progress, personal goals, and how much support you’re looking for.
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the most intensive outpatient treatment option available. It offers care like inpatient rehab. However, it lets you go home after each day’s sessions. Typically, PHP runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays at most rehab centers.
During PHP, you’ll participate in a mix of individual and group therapy alongside recovery skills education and training. This program gives you a clear and engaging experience. It helps you focus on your recovery. You can also rest and recharge at home each evening.
IOPs provide a higher level of care than general OPs but are not as structured and intense. It usually involves several hours of treatment multiple days a week. You’ll likely attend therapy three to four days a week, with each session lasting up to three hours. This program is great if you’re early in recovery and need more structure and support but still want to maintain your daily routine.
How long you stay in IOP depends on your progress and how ready you are to move to a less intensive level of care. Some people remain in IOP for a few weeks, others for a few months, depending on their individual needs.
As you progress in your recovery, you may move on to general outpatient care. This is a step down from intensive outpatient programs (IOP). It usually involves meeting with a therapist one-on-one or attending group sessions once a week.
In this phase, you will work on building skills to prevent relapse. You will also get emotional support to help you stay on track.
General outpatient care is good for people who have made progress. They no longer need as much structure but still benefit from therapy. The goal is to help you stay on track with your long-term sobriety. We want you to gradually return to your regular life.
Support groups, also called care groups or 12-step programs, are very important for staying sober. Like any outpatient care, you stay at home while joining these groups. They also build a strong sense of community and support.
Joining a support group helps you connect with others on the same journey. This can ease feelings of isolation during your recovery. The best part is that they are free; you won’t have to worry about financing plans.
Typically, these groups meet once a week and are led by a licensed therapist. Some of them cater to specific needs, like gender, age, or certain types of substance abuse.
Picking the best rehab program depends on where you are in your recovery journey. Things like how serious your addiction is, how well you’re staying sober, and how you’re handling everyday life all matter.
It’s a good idea to talk with professionals. They can help you find the best option for your situation and recovery goals. They can help you determine what will give you the support you need to succeed.
Our vision is to be a leader in behavioral healthcare, transforming the lives of those affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders. We envision a future where recovery is attainable for everyone, where stigma is eliminated, and where holistic, individualized care is accessible to all. By advancing treatment methodologies, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for mental health and substance use disorder awareness, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
We offer a variety of drug & alcohol detox options from trusted inpatient detox partners to our outpatient detox management services, Novara Recovery Centers aims to provide you with addiction treatment services in Virginia that are designed for your individual success in recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how detox works, what to expect from detox and how we can help you.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or co-occurring disorders, Novara Recovery Center can help. We offer a variety of treatment options including inpatient treatment through our trusted network of residential partners. Learn more about how inpatient treatment works and how it can help you find long-term recovery from substance use.
If you are looking for a partial hospitalization program in Virginia, Novara Recovery is your best choice. Our flexible and accessible treatment programs offer you the benefits of inpatient treatment without the complicated residential stay. To learn more about what PHP is and how our partial day program can help, keep reading.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Fairfax at Novara Recovery Center was designed to provide those struggling with substance abuse & co-occurring disorders with flexible treatment options that world around your personal schedule. Our intensive therapeutic solutions offers you a solid foundation for long-term success in addiction recovery.
The outpatient addiction treatment program at Novara Recovery Center aims to empower you with the tools needed in order to achieve recovery. Through our integrative therapeutic solutions, you or your loved one can expect to learn valuable life skills that lead to a transformative experience in healing and wellness.
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
If you’re considering outpatient rehab, knowing it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution is essential. It can work very well for the right people. This is especially true for those ready to start recovery and have good support. Let’s break down who typically makes a good candidate for this kind of treatment.
Outpatient treatment is a good option if you have mild to moderate substance use disorder. It is suitable if you don’t need detox to help your body recover. This option works well if you can manage your daily life without requiring round-the-clock medical care. With the right support, you’ll be able to handle your recovery journey and make consistent progress.
But for some, the road to recovery begins with medical detox. Here’s when detox might be the best first step:
Detox helps you reset your body and mind. As part of continuing care, it makes the transition to outpatient care smoother and more effective.
A safe, stable home plays a significant role in recovery. If you have a solid living situation, free from major stressors, you’re more likely to succeed in outpatient rehab. Stability gives you the space to focus on treatment without constant distractions or temptations.
Things to consider in this area:
If your living situation is chaotic or if it triggers substance use, outpatient rehab might not be the right choice just yet. It could be helpful to first talk with your treatment team for help with maneuvering these factors before trying to insist on outpatient treatment.
Having supportive people around you can greatly help your recovery. This support can come from family, sober friends, or a local 12-step program. Day programs work well when you have people who keep you accountable and provide emotional support on your journey.
Key elements of a strong support system include:
If your relationships or home environment pose challenges, your recovery could be harder. Rehab professionals will look at things like:
They may also look at your financial and legal situation. They will consider any job factors that affect your choice to get treatment.
When choosing between outpatient and inpatient treatment programs, remember that both options help you overcome addiction. However, they use different methods. Understanding the differences can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.
You will attend sessions during the day. After that, you can go home or anywhere else you like. You can receive the treatment you need while still doing your daily activities. You can go home after each session.
Typically, there is 1 session to a maximum of 3 sessions each week. This program usually works best for people with milder addictions. It is also good for those just starting recovery or moving from inpatient care. It gives you more flexibility.
You can fit therapy into your busy life. This helps you keep up with work, family, and personal commitments.
Outpatient treatment programs offer a lot of benefits, particularly for those dealing with drug or alcohol use issues. These programs are great for people who need professional help. They also need some flexibility in their treatment plans due to their personal situations. These are a few of the primary benefits.
One of the standout benefits of outpatient rehab is how flexible it is. You don’t have to put your life on hold.
Outpatient treatment lets you work around your existing commitments—whether that’s work, school, or family responsibilities. You will have scheduled sessions that fit into your routine. This way, you can keep living your normal life while making progress in your recovery.
Another reason people choose outpatient rehab is its affordability. Since you don’t have to pay for room and board or constant medical care, it is usually cheaper than inpatient programs. If you’re looking for a high-quality treatment option without breaking the bank, outpatient rehab can be a smart choice.
Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics shows that adult residential treatment can be expensive. It can cost over $7,000 each time. When adjusted for inflation, this cost rises to nearly $9,800.
In contrast, outpatient options like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are much more affordable. On average, an IOP costs about $3,582 for each episode. This amount rises to around $4,939 when adjusted for inflation.
You may be surprised to know that many people in recovery can still work or go to school while in outpatient rehab. This flexibility makes outpatient care ideal for those who find residential treatment disruptive to their lives. Depending on your situation, you can choose from different levels of outpatient care:
Outpatient treatment options offer various therapies. These therapies help you overcome addiction and stay on the road to recovery. Here’s a look at the most common therapies you might encounter in outpatient rehab:
In individual therapy, you’ll have scheduled sessions where you work one-on-one with a licensed therapist. You will explore the main issues that lead to your substance misuse. You will understand what drives your behaviors.
Then, you will make a plan for moving forward. Some of the most common types of individual therapy include:
Group therapies give you the chance to connect with others who are going through similar challenges. Sharing experiences in a supportive group helps you feel less alone. It can also teach you important communication and coping skills.
These skills are essential for long-term recovery. Common types of group therapy include:
Typically, group therapy sessions are made up of 8 to 12 people, but they can sometimes be smaller or larger. Sessions usually last an hour or two, and meet once or twice a week. Some groups are open, meaning new people can join at any time, while others are closed, with a consistent group of participants.
Family therapy is an important part of many outpatient rehab programs. Addiction affects not just you but your family as well. Family therapy typically focuses on:
Family therapy benefits not just the person in recovery but the entire family. By strengthening your family’s foundation, you’re more likely to stay sober and maintain long-term recovery.
Outpatient rehab programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, but timelines vary based on individual needs. Some people may complete treatment in 6–8 weeks, while others might require 4 months or longer.
A complete care plan may include detox, 90 days of inpatient treatment, and 90 days or more of outpatient care. Some people stay in outpatient programs for over a year. Treatment is highly personal, and timelines adapt to individual recovery needs.
Studies show that people who complete a treatment program often succeed in staying sober and rebuilding their lives. In many cases, outpatient programs have proven to be equally effective as inpatient treatment. Rehabilitation, whether inpatient or outpatient, helps about 50–70% of individuals maintain their abstinence. The critical factor is selecting the approach that best suits your specific situation.
Your recovery process is more than just the program you choose. It’s about finding the right treatment for you.
It’s also about having a support team that understands your challenges. A caring, experienced staff can significantly impact your progress by customizing their approach to your unique strengths and difficulties. Every person’s path is different, and you have the power to create your own success story.
After finishing an outpatient rehab program, you may move into a sober living home. You can also continue with aftercare to keep up your progress. Many people find ongoing support through groups like 12-step programs, which provide a sense of community and accountability. Staying connected with sober friends who understand your journey and regularly help you maintain your commitment to getting better can help you build a solid relapse-prevention foundation for long-term recovery.
If you want an outpatient addiction treatment program, start by reaching out to healthcare professionals or addiction specialists. They can help you analyze options that align with your special needs and circumstances.
Spend a little time researching different outpatient clinics and facilities to see which one seems like the best fit for you. If you are facing problems with alcohol or drugs, outpatient rehab can help. It offers therapy, support, and flexibility. This approach helps you regain control and work toward lasting recovery.
Starting your addiction recovery journey takes real courage. At Novara Recovery Center in Fairfax, Virginia, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Our caring team is here to listen. We will address your concerns and provide care that fits your needs. We are more than a treatment center. We are a community that helps you heal and find lasting success.
Let’s embrace this journey together and look forward to new beginnings. Reach out to us at (703) 705-7870, email info@novararecovery.com, or visit us at 2815 Old Lee Hwy Floor 2, Fairfax, VA 22031.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
