If you’re seeking outpatient treatment for an addiction, the good news is that you have many options. The bad news is that you may have so many options that it’s hard to choose. Let’s explore how to choose an outpatient rehab in Atlanta without getting overwhelmed.
Understanding Your Outpatient Rehab Options
To know how to choose an outpatient rehab, you first need to be aware of your options. From an addiction treatment perspective, outpatient rehab encompasses the four levels described below.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Treatment at the PHP level is similar to what residential rehabs provide, with the main difference being that clients only need to be at the rehab center when treatment is in session. In the evenings and on the weekends they can return to their home or to an alternative supported residence.
Most PHPs offer five or six hours of care per day, five or six days per week. At Valor Behavioral Health, our PHP is in session Monday—Saturday, six hours per day, which gives clients a total of 36 hours of weekly care.
Given the scope of services that are offered at the PHP level, this can be a perfect option if you can benefit from step-down support after completing a residential or inpatient program. However, most PHPs also serve clients who have not previously been in treatment, or who are stepping up from a lower level of care.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs typically offer fewer hours of daily and weekly care than PHPs do, but they provide clients with greater flexibility while still ensuring they receive quality clinical services and support.
IOPs are usually in session three hours per day, with clients often having the option of attending treatment two to five days per week. Due to the more limited schedule, group therapy is commonly the main method of care at the IOP level, though most programs also offer additional services on either a regular or as-needed basis.
As with PHPs, some clients step down to IOPs after completing a higher level of care, while others enter treatment at the IOP level.
Virtual program
Virtual programming, which is sometimes also referred to as telehealth, allows you to participate in treatment from the safety and comfort of home. The opportunity to attend sessions via a secure online videoconferencing platform can make virtual care an ideal choice if you lack transportation, have mobility concerns, or are otherwise incapable of participating in person.
The virtual treatment schedule is often similar to the IOP schedule, with clients receiving partial days of care two to five days per week.
Outpatient program
This level can involve individual and/or group sessions, scheduled at whatever frequency is best for you. It can be a source of ongoing support, with many people continuing to meet with a therapist or counselor for years as they work to maintain their recovery and improve their mental health.
Types of Treatment in Outpatient Rehab
Any type of treatment that’s offered in a PHP can be offered in an IOP. The main difference between these two levels has to do with the range of services that are offered, with PHPs typically offering a wider array since they offer more treatment hours per week.
With that caveat in mind, common elements of care in outpatient rehab include:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family counseling and education
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Trauma therapy
- Holistic therapies such as art, yoga, and meditation
How to Choose an Outpatient Rehab
Knowing how to choose an outpatient rehab doesn’t simply mean being able to identify the best provider in your area. While some centers have better reputations than others, no rehab, program, or type of treatment is perfect for everyone.
When you’re trying to choose an outpatient rehab, you should focus on finding the program that seems to be best for you. Consider your history, goals, preferences, and expectations. Accomplishing that requires both a bit of self-reflection and a thorough evaluation of the rehabs you’re considering.
Self-assessment
The first step in choosing an outpatient rehab is to identify what you want and need from treatment. To get this process started, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you seeking step-down support after completing a residential or inpatient program, or will you be entering treatment directly at one of the outpatient levels?
- Do you have access to reliable transportation?
- Do you currently have a safe place to live and support from friends or family members?
- Do you plan to continue working or attending school while you’re in outpatient treatment?
- What are your goals for treatment, in terms of both short- and long-term objectives?
- Are you only seeking addiction treatment, or do you also need dual diagnosis services for anxiety, depression, or another co-occurring mental health concern?
- Do you have insurance, or are you able to pay out-of-pocket for your care?
Once you have a solid grasp on your personal parameters, you’ll be best prepared to identify the rehab that’s right for you.
Evaluating outpatient rehabs
When you’re speaking with representatives of a rehab that you’re considering, getting answers to the following types of questions can help you determine if it’s the right place for you:
- What is the rehab center’s treatment philosophy or overall approach to care?
- What levels of outpatient rehab does the center provide, and how will they determine which ones are right for you?
- What types of therapy and support services does the center offer?
- Does every client follow the same schedule, or does each client receive a personalized treatment plan?
- If the outpatient rehab offers personalized plans, how will they determine which therapies and services are right for you?
- Who will be providing your care while you’re in outpatient rehab? What are their qualifications, including educational background and experience?
- What is the typical length of stay at the outpatient rehab, and how will the center determine how long you should remain in treatment?
- What types of policies and procedures are in place to ensure client safety?
- Does the outpatient rehab offer discharge planning, alumni programming, or other types of post-treatment support?
- What happens if you have a relapse after you’ve completed outpatient rehab?
- Does the rehab accept your insurance? If so, will they work directly with your provider to provide all necessary paperwork? If not, do they offer financing options?
- Can you visit the rehab in person, see photos of the facility, or take a virtual tour?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions or request additional information about anything you’re not clear about. Reputable outpatient rehabs such as Valor Behavioral Health will always be happy to provide you with the details you need, so that you can make the most informed decision for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.
Learn More About Outpatient Rehab in Atlanta
Valor Behavioral Health is a trusted source of personalized outpatient care for individuals whose lives have been disrupted by addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Treatment options at our outpatient rehab in Atlanta, GA, include a PHP, IOP, evening IOP, adolescent program, virtual IOP, and outpatient program. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
