Outpatient Rehab Indiana: Outpatient treatment programs are a type of substance use treatment that allows individuals to receive care without staying overnight at a hospital or residential facility. This approach offers a flexible and effective solution for those seeking to overcome substance use disorders (SUDs). While less intensive than inpatient or residential programs, outpatient rehab at a drug and alcohol rehab includes a range of therapeutic services and interventions and can be delivered in various settings.

Outpatient programs are designed to match the level of care to each individual’s needs, providing the necessary treatment intensity, professional guidance, and accountability to support recovery. Factors such as the severity of the SUD, personal strengths, treatment goals, and objectives are considered when tailoring outpatient care. This page explores the key components of outpatient rehabilitation, its advantages and challenges, and options for covering the cost of treatment.

What is outpatient rehab?

Outpatient rehab is a type of drug and alcohol addiction treatment that allows individuals to live at home or in a supportive, therapeutic environment like a sober living home while maintaining their daily responsibilities, such as work or school. Patients attend scheduled sessions at treatment centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, or with behavioral counselors during set hours on specific days. Some outpatient treatment programs also offer evening or weekend sessions to help patients balance treatment with personal, professional, and family responsibilities.

Outpatient programs vary in intensity and setting. Care may be provided in substance use treatment centers, community health clinics, mental health facilities, hospital-affiliated programs, office settings, or residential facilities that offer outpatient services.

Whether inpatient or outpatient, addiction treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs. Outpatient programs typically include a range of therapeutic services, such as individual and group counseling, family therapy, education sessions, recreational or occupational therapy, psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment, and additional resources. The therapies and services provided are determined by the patient’s unique needs and the program’s structure.

Outpatient care is often preferred due to its flexibility and affordability, offering a level of effectiveness comparable to inpatient treatment. While outpatient care may not always be suitable as the first step in treatment, it often becomes a key component of long-term recovery as individuals transition from more intensive care settings.

Types of outpatient rehab

Outpatient rehab programs vary in intensity and structure, catering to different levels of need and support during the recovery process. The main types of outpatient rehab for substance abuse and mental health treatment include:

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

Often referred to as PHP or day treatment, this outpatient rehab program provides a high level of medical and clinical care for individuals with complex or unstable medical or psychiatric conditions. These alcohol and drug addiction programs typically require at least 20 hours of intensive treatment per week, offering daily (or near-daily) structured support. Patients receive comprehensive care during the day and return home or to a supportive living arrangement at night.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

IOPs are less intensive than PHPs but still offer a comprehensive approach to care with a multidisciplinary team of providers. Patients who participate in intensive outpatient programs at recovery centers in Indiana generally attend 9 to 20 hours of therapy and treatment sessions per week. IOPs are designed to deliver many of the same therapeutic interventions found in inpatient settings but with the flexibility of outpatient care.

Standard outpatient program (OP)

Standard outpatient programs focus on helping individuals change behaviors related to substance use. These programs offer fewer than 9 hours of treatment per week and typically do not include medical services, though they often connect patients to more intensive care if needed.

Determining the appropriate rehab program

The right outpatient program for you depends on your needs and goals. While all programs offer compassionate care and ongoing support, some may be better suited for certain individuals.

Patients typically begin at a level that matches their medical stability and severity of substance use disorder (SUD). For example, those with less severe SUDs may start the healing journey with standard outpatient care, while others with more complex needs might require a PHP or IOP.

Many individuals transition between levels of care, such as moving from a PHP to an IOP or standard outpatient program, based on progress and readiness for greater independence. Conversely, those struggling in a less intensive program may move to a higher level of care, like an IOP, PHP, or even inpatient treatment, to better meet their specific needs and prevent relapse.

Our team will help you determine if you are a good candidate for standard outpatient rehab or if a more intensive program would be more beneficial. Rehabilitation services are tailored to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the care, support, addiction medicine, and treatment services necessary for recovery.

What services are offered during outpatient drug rehab programs?

Outpatient addiction treatment is designed to help you overcome the chronic disease of addiction. Using a holistic approach that involves medication management (if needed), traditional talk, and behavioral therapies, outpatient addiction treatment can help you address the root causes of addiction and co-occurring disorders affecting mental health.

At our rehab center, each client undergoes an evaluation that allows their outpatient care team of mental health and addiction specialists to provide personalized, individualized care. However, outpatient programs generally include the following:

  • Individual therapy. Clients work one-on-one with therapists to address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthier behavioral patterns. Various therapeutic modalities, including behavioral therapy, support personal growth and lasting recovery.
  • Group therapy. Support groups and group therapy can help reduce the social isolation that can accompany addiction and help eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction. Group settings are also helpful for improving communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Family therapy. Family members participate in therapy sessions designed to improve communication and address dynamics that may impact recovery. These sessions help families learn how to provide effective support for their loved ones during the recovery process.
  • Medication management. Outpatient treatment programs provide access to licensed medical experts capable of safely prescribing and managing medications that can help to stabilize mood, reduce the effects of withdrawal, and maintain sobriety.
  • Treatment for co-occurring disorders. It is common for substance abuse disorders to occur together with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Co-occurring disorder treatment addresses both conditions simultaneously so that you can achieve lasting symptom relief and recovery.
  • Aftercare and relapse prevention. One of the biggest benefits of outpatient rehab is that clients learn to cultivate tools and resources for ongoing sobriety. Following acute treatment, aftercare, and relapse-prevention management ensures that you don’t feel like you are being pushed out into the world alone. Options might include 12-step programs, counseling, and group meetings.

What’s the difference between residential treatment and outpatient treatment?

While both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation programs offer a range of therapies designed to help individuals overcome substance use disorders, two primary distinctions set these approaches apart:

  • Living arrangements. Inpatient rehab requires individuals to reside at the treatment facility throughout the duration of their treatment program, providing a structured and immersive environment. In contrast, outpatient rehab allows patients to live at home while attending scheduled treatment sessions at the facility. For those needing an alternative living situation, some outpatient therapy programs can offer or connect patients to supportive housing services.
  • Level of care and monitoring. Inpatient programs provide 24/7 medical and clinical support, offering a higher level of care for individuals with severe substance use disorders, complex withdrawal needs, or co-occurring medical or mental health conditions. In addition, some residential programs offer medical detox services, which are not always available in outpatient addiction recovery. Outpatient rehab programs, while still offering professional support and therapeutic services, typically involve less intensive monitoring and are better suited for those with stable living environments and less severe treatment needs.

Ready to take the next step? Begin outpatient rehab Indiana

You don’t have to face addiction to drugs or alcohol alone. We are here to help. Take the first step by contacting us for more information about our customized outpatient addiction treatment programs. As a leading provider of outpatient rehab in Indiana, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to recovery. Give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.

Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707-9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.

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Red Ribbon Recovery is an incredible place for anyone seeking help with addiction and mental health. The staff truly cares and go above and beyond to support their clients. The programs are professional, flexible, and effective. I’m so grateful for the tools I’ve gained here.

Danielle R.

I didn’t know what to expect when I got here, but Red Ribbon Recovery made me feel seen for the first time in a long time. The staff didn’t just treat me like a patient—they treated me like a person. They helped me through some really dark days, and now I feel like I’m finally moving forward.

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I’ve been to treatment before and it always felt cold or rushed. Red Ribbon was different. The staff actually listened. They helped me figure out what I needed instead of just handing me a schedule and hoping for the best. I still have work to do, but now I know I’m not doing it alone.

About the content

Last updated on: Jul 30, 2025
Jodi Tarantino (LICSW)

Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.

Jodi Tarantino (LICSW)

Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.

Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.

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