Outpatient Program (OP)

Outpatient rehab programs provide accessible, flexible, and effective treatment for people who are facing addiction and mental health issues. 

And Hope’s Destiny outpatient programs in Pennsylvania offer highly personalized care that allows you to maintain your daily routines and responsibilities.

Learn about outpatient treatment programs at our top-rated treatment center, services they provide, and how they can help you achieve recovery.

What to Know About Outpatient Programs for Addiction

Outpatient programs are effective treatment options that range in treatment intensity and work to help you reach long-term recovery from substance abuse.

In an outpatient rehab program, you can get high-quality care for drug or alcohol abuse, co-occurring disorders, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues.

At the best treatment centers, like Hope’s Destiny, all outpatient treatment plans are custom-designed with evidence-based treatments for your recovery needs. 

That means they may call on a number of different treatments, like therapy, counseling, case management, relapse prevention, and others.

Outpatient addiction treatment can be effective for people with substance use disorders (SUD) who need intensive care for a number of reasons. This form of substance abuse treatment is highly appealing because it doesn’t require an overnight stay.

What Substance Use Disorders Are Treated in Outpatient Programs?

No matter the type of alcohol or drug abuse, you can find outpatient care in Pennsylvania to help manage it.

Hope’s Destiny outpatient rehab programs treat a range of alcohol and drug addictions, including both illicit and prescription drugs.

Some people come to rehab with co-occurring disorders, or more than one substance use disorder at a time. Our programs work to treat both conditions.

And many people battle both alcohol and drug use issues alongside mental health disorders (called a dual diagnosis). 

For this reason, you can find treatment in many outpatient recovery programs for both addiction and mental health, including at Hope’s Destiny.

What to Expect in Outpatient Rehab Programs

Outpatient programs provide various treatment services. Together, these services offer a well-rounded approach to recovery.

The types of services you may find will depend on the rehab center you attend and the type of program you choose.

Here’s what to expect in outpatient treatment at the Hope’s Destiny care center.

Detailed Health Evaluation

First, you will undergo a detailed health care assessment to identify all substance use issues, mental health disorders, and other health conditions.

You may be asked a series of questions and be evaluated during an exam. 

You can get an evaluation prior to entering your program (such as at your family doctor’s office), or at the treatment center.

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Once the treatment facility’s healthcare providers have your health assessment, they can work with you to create a custom care plan. 

Your individual outpatient treatment plan at Hope’s Destiny may involve a range of therapy sessions, group support, counseling, case management, nutritional focus, and other services.

Which level of care and treatments are right for you will depend on the factors that impact your substance abuse.

For example, some people have suffered family trauma, and may need focused therapy sessions to address it. Others have faced sexual assault, and need to work through unresolved trauma in targeted sexual abuse therapy before they can address substance abuse.

The plan may be adjusted throughout your program to fit your needs and ongoing recovery progress.

Crisis Stabilization Services

If you are facing a mental or behavioral health crisis, you may need to reach stabilization before you can begin an outpatient program.

Crisis stabilization services help you work through the crisis, reach stability, and foster a clear mindset. That way, you can be receptive to care.

Focused Therapy Sessions

Perhaps one of the most crucial parts of treatment for drug and alcohol use is therapy.

Therapy comes in many different formats, from group, to individual, to family therapy, and can address many different issues that impact addiction.

Here are some of the most common types of addiction therapy:

  • Behavioral therapy: such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. These therapies help you focus on the thoughts, actions, and feelings that lead to substance use and how they affect you and others.
  • Individual therapy: one-on-one therapy sessions allow you to work closely with a therapist to achieve your personal recovery goals.
  • Group therapy: In group therapy, you can connect with others who are also in recovery and share similar struggles. Support groups are usually focused, such as all-women groups, all-men groups, survivors of sexual trauma, LGBTQ groups, and so on.
  • Alternative therapy: holistic therapies use a more traditional, whole-body approach and include art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, animal therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, among others.

Holistic Care

The best outpatient drug and alcohol treatment will employ a holistic approach, or a whole-person approach. This means you’ll receive care that addresses all aspects of your health at once. 

Research shows that a holistic approach can lend to lasting recovery, since you are treating not just the addiction with this method, but all the health conditions that affect it.

Hope’s Destiny programs use a holistic approach to give you the best chance at seeking sobriety and improving your quality of life.

Medication Management

You may need medications for a number of reasons, such as addressing mental health issues, or for medication-assisted treatment of opioid or alcohol addiction.

Medication management services ensure you avoid overdose and don’t risk adverse effects of medications.

Medication-assisted treatment, or treating addictions with medications such as methadone, may take place during your outpatient program and will also be carefully monitored.

Family Support

In addition to family therapy, many rehab programs involve family members in the recovery process. Recovery outcomes are greatly affected by the support system you have.

Family involvement at Hope’s Destiny may include group therapy sessions, one-on-one sessions with a counselor, family visitation days and events, and more.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Planning

Recovery is a long game, so it’s important to plan for what will happen after you leave your outpatient program.

That’s why Hope’s Destiny integrates relapse prevention planning into all outpatient rehab programs. 

This way, you will be prepared for a relapse when it happens and can reset your recovery goals. 

Aftercare, or continuing care, aids in lasting recovery as well. Most people follow a continuum of care, meaning they move from one treatment program to the next with step-down levels of intensity.

Read about the levels of care in outpatient treatment available below.

Types of Outpatient Programs for Addiction Recovery

Choosing the right type of outpatient care for where you are in recovery is crucial to seeing a successful treatment outcome.

Here are the most common types of outpatient treatment programs for addiction recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

In partial hospitalization programs, you can get treatment for substance abuse at a level comparable to that of inpatient treatment.

The main difference is that you won’t have to stay at the treatment center long-term. Instead, you’ll show up daily for treatment for a specified number of hours.

PHPs are the highest-intensity level of care for outpatient rehab programs, which is why we provide partial hospitalization at Hope’s Destiny.

In our PHPs, you can access various therapies, counseling, case management, peer support, and more, all in a home environment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient treatment involves intensive therapy and counseling similar to PHP but with less frequency.

Hope’s Destiny intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer the same treatment services as our PHPs but typically require fewer hours per day and less days per week.

IOPs may follow residential treatment, a PHP, or serve as a first-line treatment for people with less-severe substance use issues.

Outpatient Detox 

For many in addiction treatment, detoxification is the first phase of care. 

During detox, you can get medications, supplements, and medical monitoring to curb many of the harrowing withdrawal symptoms, like powerful cravings, of alcohol or opioid addictions.


Detox programs, whether inpatient or outpatient, allow you to cleanse your body of any substances left over from alcohol or drug use.

Once detox is complete, you can move on to either your inpatient rehab or outpatient drug rehab program.

Hope’s Destiny partners with local area hospitals and detox facilities to ensure our guests are fully detoxed prior to entering their day treatment program.

Individual Outpatient Services

If you are stable in your addiction recovery, or just starting out after completing an outpatient program, you may benefit from singular outpatient services.

These services are offered within addiction treatment programs, but can also serve as standalone treatments for people who need continued support.

For example, you may want to continue seeking individual therapy following a PHP to help ensure you keep recovery top of mind. 

Or, you may want to enter a support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), after residential treatment to ensure you stay sober and hold yourself accountable.

Outpatient services are many and include: 

  • Therapy sessions
  • Support groups
  • Sober housing support
  • Financial services and training
  • Coping skillbuilding
  • Detox support
  • Case management
  • Relapse prevention
  • Crisis stabilization

What Types of Patients Will Benefit from Outpatient Treatment?

Addiction recovery is a unique and individual experience, and so are the treatments that foster it.

Deciding whether you will benefit best from an inpatient program versus an outpatient program is a tough choice to make, and one that is best discussed with a healthcare professional.

In general, outpatient rehab programs may benefit people who:

  • Have a substance use disorder and/or mental health issue
  • Need intensive care to learn to manage substance abuse
  • Are in stable condition and don’t require hospitalization or residential programs
  • Need continuing care in addiction recovery
  • Are seeking care after a recovery relapse

Outpatient Program Length & Duration

The length of time you will spend in outpatient care depends on your needs and the program you choose.

Here are some general outpatient treatment program lengths:

  • PHP: 2-4 weeks, but may last much longer, such as up to 16 weeks if needed
  • IOP: 2-4 weeks, but may last much longer, such as 2-3 months, if needed
  • Outpatient services: Determined by the type of service. Therapy could last for months or even years if necessary. Support groups are typically available as needed. 
  • Outpatient detox: a few hours; outpatient detox is meant only to stabilize and help you through the worst of withdrawal symptoms before moving you to care.
  • Outpatient MAT: several weeks to months; MAT is highly individual and depends on the medication you’re taking, severity of your SUD at time of treatment, and how your recovery progresses.

Cost of Outpatient Rehab Programs in Pennsylvania

The cost of outpatient treatment is highly specific to the type of program you enter, the facility that offers it, your program duration, and your insurance coverage.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the average cost of outpatient rehab in Pennsylvania is $1,706. However, much of this cost can be covered by your insurance plan.

Is Outpatient Rehab Covered by Insurance?

Health insurance covers most outpatient addiction treatment programs, if your program is in-network with your provider.

Hope’s Destiny in Pennsylvania is in-network with both regional and national health insurance providers.

In addition, we work with our guests and their family members to ensure our programs are accessible to those who need it through viable payment options.

How to Find Outpatient Addiction Recovery Programs in Pennsylvania

Once you have made the decision to seek a better quality of life in recovery, there are a number of ways to find the right outpatient program for you.

Follow these steps to get started: 

  1. Ask for a referral to a high-quality treatment center from your family doctor, counselor, or therapist.
  2. Get a substance abuse assessment. The results of this evaluation can inform your care providers about the best treatment plan for your needs.
  3. Enter an outpatient program, after deciding on the right level of care and the best treatment facility.
  4. Make post-treatment plans by learning skills and methods that foster relapse prevention and establish a strong recovery support system.

Qualities of Top Outpatient Rehab Providers

To find a high-quality outpatient care provider, keep an eye out for a number of program and facility components that signify a commitment to care standards and patient satisfaction.

Some qualities to look for that point to a outstanding care:

  • High ratings from former clients and their loved ones
  • Facility licensing through the state of Pennsylvania
  • Third-party organization certifications and accreditations
  • A full continuum of care that lends to a comprehensive treatment approach
  • Works with a range of insurance companies
  • Provides payment options and/or payment assistance
  • Holds a high-caliber reputation for evidence-based, compassionate care

Hope’s Destiny is an outpatient addiction recovery provider with a 5-star online rating and facility licensing in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Find Customized Outpatient Recovery Programs in Pennsylvania

Ready to begin a life free from drugs and alcohol? Hope’s Destiny can join you on your recovery journey.

Our outpatient programs offer evidence-based care that meets you where you are in life, offering the flexibility and treatments you need to meet your goals.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our high-level programs, the care we provide, and how we can help you take the first step toward the rest of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to recover from addiction in outpatient treatment?

Recovery is a long-term plan, but outpatient treatment may last from several weeks to several months.

The amount of time you will spend in treatment depends on your unique needs, such as all the issues you are treating, any trauma that impacts substance use, grief, loss, history of abuse, and more.

Can outpatient treatment cure addiction?

Addiction is a chronic illness. Like other chronic illnesses, it cannot be cured but may be managed with the right regimen.

Treatments that can help you learn to manage addiction include behavioral therapy, counseling support groups, outpatient treatment, residential treatment, MAT, detox, and more.

Can I recover at home after outpatient detox?

Self-treatment for addiction is often unsuccessful. In fact, most people who enter an addiction recovery program have tried to recover on their own but failed.

Treatment programs at Hope’s Destiny are designed to help you succeed, from the supportive environment, to compassionate staff members, to the structured, whole-person approach.

How do I choose the right level of outpatient treatment for my recovery?

Choosing the right level of care to start your recovery can be a daunting choice, but it doesn’t have to be.

The right treatment facility will guide you toward the appropriate level of care through a thorough drug and alcohol abuse assessment and health care evaluation.

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