If you have a need for addiction, mental health issues, or substance abuse issues, there is a treatment program that is right for you. Some people need full-time care in a residential treatment program while others can benefit from outpatient programs. When it comes to choosing a rehabilitation center, it is important to know the options available. But sometimes those options might be confusing. Inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment – who really knows what each one means and their importance? We are here to tell you exactly that – and set your mind at ease in choosing the best fit for your needs. Here is more on residential treatment vs inpatient vs outpatient.
Keep in mind that no matter which type of treatment option you choose, they are all equally tailored to rehabilitate those who have an addiction or mental health disorder. The differences are a few but the main goal is the same. As far as addiction, both are helpful in aiding in maintaining sobriety or getting sober in the first place.
What Is Residential Treatment?
The first thing to know is that residential treatment is the same as inpatient treatment. This type of inpatient treatment is more intense and helps with the immediate needs of the patient, as well as future needs. This includes detox and stabilization. It works as a short-term solution to focus on addiction’s symptoms.
According to Social Work Today:
More ambiguous and less apparent are the indications that a patient may benefit from a treatment setting that is more intensive than multiple outpatient sessions per week yet less intensive and restrictive than inpatient hospitalization. There are three major treatment modalities that fall within the middle ground between pure outpatient and pure inpatient treatment: intensive outpatient programs, which typically involve multiple extended sessions per week of varying treatment duration and format; partial hospitalization programs, in which patients spend most or all of their daytime hours in specialized programming but return to their homes overnight and on days off; and residential treatment centers, where patients are housed and supervised around the clock while they receive treatment and observation for periods ranging from weeks to months.
While their main focus on this topic is about psychiatric care, the basics of residential treatment are the same.
What some may not realize is how impressive residential treatment can be. You might picture sterile rooms in a hospital when nothing is further from the truth. For example, at our Via Delray residences, patients enjoy amenities such as private baths and bedrooms, a fully updated kitchen, a community clubhouse, in-ground pool, basketball court, picnic area, and more. This isn’t a cold, sterile hospital at all. Instead, it’s a community that allows you to live in luxury yet still receive the care you need for mental health issues and/or drug or alcohol addiction.
Outpatient Treatment
To make things a tad more confusing, outpatient treatment is also the same as PHP, which is a partial hospitalization program. This outpatient treatment is very structured even though the patient does not live there 24/7.
At Transformations, our Partial Hospitalization Program is a full day of treatment in a structured environment, while the client is living in supportive housing during this time.
Along with day programs, clients can attend a variety of programs on weekends and evenings. You still get a customized program for your individual needs but also have access to health support groups, activities, group sessions, and more. In fact, there are different programs for different needs. For instance, here are a few of the options at our center when it comes to outpatient treatment.
- Adult (Over 30)
- Faith Based
- LGBTQIA+
- Young Adult (Under 30)
- Help for Our Heroes
To give you an idea, the Help for Our Heroes program is a specialized type of treatment that focuses on the needs of first responders and military veterans. There is help with things like addressing PTSD or anxiety. Depression and substance abuse disorders are also part of this program.
We are making sure to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our staff and clients.
For partial hospitalization, ii is ideal for patients who fall under two types of criteria:
- Step Down, Patients. These are patients who have completed in-patient or residential treatment programs. Whether it’s for substance abuse issues or mental health, The point is that the person is at a certain level where the structure of an in-patient program is no longer needed. This is an ideal situation for those who are transitioning into a lifestyle of sober living. This allows these patients to have completed their more intense programs and be able to live life more sober by knowing what to do and how to act once they are out in the real world.
- Low Risk Patients. Not everyone has the same level of needs so some patients do not require 24/7 care. Instead, they do well in a program where they still get their rehabilitative needs met but do not need to have the level of care of someone who has a more severe problem. These are patients who know they have a problem but it is not quite severe yet and they can benefit from a less strict regimen.
Usually, the person in an outpatient or partial hospitalization program will spend a few hours each day at the facility – usually six hours or so. Included in this therapy are things like skill-building and other types of therapies that are focused on clean and sober living. As long as the patient is in a stable situation and does not require 24/7 attention, this is an optimal choice.
Make sure you find out if transportation is provided or if you provide your own – this can vary. Meals may be provided too but this is another area where you need to inquire about what the specifics are for the program you choose.
Which Is Right For Me?
When choosing which type of program is right for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- Can you live on your own without 24/7 care?
- Do you need immediate attention for a severe problem?
- Do you have family members, a job, etc that needs you immediately or all the time?
- Can you afford inpatient treatment?
- Is it difficult to show up to meetings or activities on your own?
- Do you have constant urges to use?
- Do you have multiple disorders or co-occurring disorders?
Of course, talking it over with a counselor can help you make the right decision as well. Some choices are obvious. Let’s say you already completed an in-patient program. Well, the obvious next step is outpatient rehab. That is not the case for everyone. Some people may need outpatient treatment right from the start and may thrive under this type of care. Others simply need a more intense type of treatment.
There Are Treatment Choices for Everyone
If you or someone you love is considering treatment, keep in mind that there is something that works for everyone. There is no right or wrong choices in in-patient treatment vs outpatient treatment. It is all going to depend on your specific needs. If you are not sure which is right for you, contact us and we can go over the differences, options, and what may be best for your needs.
Just know that the important thing is getting the help you need. Both types of programs work well for those suffering from addiction or those with mental health disorders. There is no reason you have to suffer any longer. And as far as those differences? We will help you make the right decision but just know that it’s not quite as complicated as it seems.
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