A general outpatient program is not always the right fit for clients who need recovery from mental health conditions or addiction. But for those with personal obligations, outpatient treatment can be a good option. Outpatient care is also great for clients who have been in residential treatment but need to continue treatment while living independently.

What is General Outpatient Treatment?

An outpatient treatment program is for clients who do not need to be within a tightly structured environment but still need help overcoming their mental health disorder or addiction. They are provided with many of the same effective therapy programs and treatment programs that residential would receive. The primary differentiator of general outpatient is that clients live at home while undergoing treatment.

Although many clients thrive within the outpatient environment, others will benefit more from a different type of program. Outpatient rehab is usually not the right option for those who have suffered from addiction for an extended period or those who will experience severe withdrawal as part of detox. For anyone in outpatient treatment, having a solid support system at home is crucial to individual success.

What Types of Activities are Included in a GOP?

An outpatient treatment program usually provides evidence-based therapies like those provided in residential rehab. When a client begins treatment, staff will develop an individualized treatment plan to guide them through the recovery process.

This treatment plan may include the following:

• Individual therapy with a licensed therapist
• Group therapy sessions with peers in recovery
• 12-step program participation
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring conditions
• Aftercare program
• Alcohol and drug education classes, if needed
• Family therapy and support
• Peer events

A general outpatient program is not as demanding as inpatient treatment. Clients in this program have the motivation to gain and sustain recovery even when staff are not supervising them 24 hours a day. Attending outpatient treatment is more challenging than residential treatment because clients must be responsible for adhering to their scheduled program. They must also use what they learn daily toward relapse prevention in the real world.

Outpatient treatment can still be quite time-consuming. Clients are usually expected to be at a particular location three to four times per week. Each of these sessions will last from two to four hours and may be in addition to the individual’s work or school schedule.

Outpatient treatment can be a smart choice for people who cannot attend a residential environment. It works very well for business executives or others who need to continue working while following treatment. The outpatient treatment schedule allows clients to keep their jobs, continue home responsibilities, care for family, and stay on track with their education. It is especially important that clients in outpatient treatment have good recovery support systems in their lives, such as family and friends.

Mental Health and Addiction Treatment at Steps to Recovery

Steps to Recovery locations are in Bucks County and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Our programs are Joint Commission-accredited with highly trained clinicians. Clients enjoy the compassionate care of our staff, comprehensive therapies, and individualized treatment.

An outpatient treatment program could be perfect for your unique needs. If you or someone you love are struggling with a mental health disorder and/or addiction, please get in touch with our admissions team today. You are not alone.