Millions of individuals across the United States struggle with some type of substance use disorder. Whether you are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol dependence, or another addiction, it is vital to get the help that you need to achieve sobriety and live a happier and healthier life.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to essentially put their entire lives on hold in order to get the help that they need. Thankfully, there are options available. One of the most promising options for helping people struggling with addiction get help while not having a major impact on their daily lives is outpatient therapy. Here is what you should know.
What Is Outpatient Therapy?
Outpatient therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is offered to individuals in an outpatient setting rather than having them committed to a residential program, a hospital, or another type of inpatient setting.
Outpatient therapy can be offered in various locations, including doctor’s offices or hospitals. This treatment typically involves a team of counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, and certain medical professionals who work together toward helping each patient achieve their goals. There are type general types of outpatient therapy that patients can receive.
Day Programs
Day programs are designed to have the highest level of care and structure possible for patients while still remaining within an outpatient setting. These programs require patients to commit to treatment for five to seven days each week and for several hours a day.
During this time, patients will partake in various types of therapy, including adjunct therapies, such as music or art therapy, biofeedback, group counseling, and other types of therapy. After each session, patients are able to return to their families or their residences until the next meeting.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
This treatment option helps patients establish plans that have well-defined and measurable milestones in place. Patients will begin therapy by committing a specific number of hours each week toward their therapy. As they progress and meet various milestones, the number of hours they are required to attend decreases.
This type of program requires patients to attend multiple sessions for several hours each week. They will have to attend group therapy, counseling sessions, relapse prevention, and various other programs.
What Does Outpatient Therapy Involve?
Patients who go through outpatient therapy will receive various forms of treatment to ensure they have the best chance of recovery. Some of the standard therapies used during treatment include:
- Motivational interviewing
- Dialectal behavior therapy
- Rational emotive behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
In addition, patients can also benefit from an array of holistic treatment options. This can include art therapy, equine-assisted therapy, meditation, music therapy, and yoga therapy.
Through outpatient therapy, patients can expect to learn various techniques to prevent relapse in the future. They will learn healthy ways to cope with their stress, feelings, and thoughts. They will learn ways to strengthen their relationships with family and friends. They will also develop healthy parenting skills, improve their family dynamics, and improve their communication skills.
Why Choose Outpatient Therapy?
There are several reasons why you may want to choose outpatient therapy for your addiction treatment. These include:
- Affordability: Due to the fact that patients do not have to remain hospitalized during therapy, outpatient programs tend to be much more affordable. This can make a huge difference, especially for patients with limited to no insurance coverage.
- Flexibility: Outpatient therapy is far more flexible than other types of treatment. These programs can be designed to work around the patient’s schedule, ensuring they are able to tend to their homes and family, go to school, and work.
- Family Support: Patients who choose outpatient therapy have the ability to involve their family in every step of the process. Patients are able to return home every day and receive encouragement and support from their family members. This can help aid in ensuring a more successful recovery, both immediate and long-term.
Top Three Benefits of Outpatient Therapy
Patients who choose outpatient therapy to overcome their addiction will receive several benefits. Some of the top benefits you can expect include:
A More Discreet Treatment Option
Outpatient therapy provides you with the flexibility to continue working or going to school. Due to the fact that you do not have to take a lot of time off work to get the help you need, you do not usually have to inform your employer or come up with an excuse surrounding your absence. Instead, you can carry on with your daily activities while still getting well-rounded treatment.
The Availability of Family Services
In addition to helping individuals overcome their addictions, outpatient therapy often provides services for family members as well. It is no secret that family members are often concerned about the health and well-being of their loved ones. It is also well-known that families often play a major role in a person’s journey to sobriety. For this reason, many outpatient therapy programs provide services for family members to help them better understand addiction and how they can be supportive of their loved one’s journey to sobriety. These services can include marriage counseling, family support groups, and family counseling.
Aftercare Services
After finishing outpatient therapy, patients are able to continue receiving aftercare services to help guide them on their path toward sobriety. These services can help prevent relapses by reinforcing techniques and practices that were learned during outpatient treatment.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to realize that you do not have to go through this process alone. Our team at Magnolia Ranch Recovery can provide you with trusted outpatient services to help you live happier and healthier.
See if Outpatient Therapy in Pulaski, TN, Is Right for You
Outpatient therapy is an excellent option for many individuals struggling with addiction. If you would like to see if this treatment option is right for you, contact our team at Magnolia Ranch Recovery by calling our Pulaski, TN, location at 888-992-7955. Our team can meet with you to discuss your circumstances and help determine if outpatient treatment is the best option to help you overcome your addiction.
