Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. While some people may require more intensive levels of care like inpatient, others may benefit from a more flexible outpatient approach. Outpatient programs can vary in intensity, with standard outpatient rehab being the least intensive. At Empowered Recovery in Atlanta, you’ll find a wide range of outpatient rehab programs, including our standard outpatient program which is our most flexible treatment option. Learn more about our standard outpatient program, or contact our drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta to get started with treatment.
What Is Standard Outpatient Rehab?
Standard outpatient rehab is the least intensive form of addiction treatment. This rehab program allows you to receive treatment while living at home and caring for other daily responsibilities. Instead of living onsite like an inpatient program, or attending several days a week for treatment like other higher levels of care, patients in a standard outpatient rehab program attend regular therapy sessions, support groups, and more for only a few hours a week. This level of care offers patients ongoing support but with more freedom to practice their recovery skills out in everyday life. Our standard outpatient rehab in Atlanta offers flexibility, along with a blend of medical and evidence-based approaches.
Outpatient Rehab vs Inpatient Rehab Programs
There are a few key differences between outpatient and inpatient programs. With standard outpatient treatment, you can live at home or in a sober living facility while attending a program a few days a week. Inpatient care provides 24/7 continuous services as you live on campus at a treatment facility full-time.
Inpatient rehab also offers immersive, highly structured care. When staying in inpatient treatment, you’ll participate in daily recovery and skills-building activities. Standard outpatient rehab provides a more flexible treatment option and supplemental care that fits into your daily routine.
Both types of programs offer similar personalized services, such as group and individual therapy, relapse prevention training, and peer support. The main differences are the time requirements and costs. Inpatient rehab is typically more expensive than outpatient care and requires a greater, full-time commitment.
Standard outpatient rehab in Atlanta can be beneficial if you’re further along in your recovery journey or have a mild substance use disorder (SUD). Inpatient treatment can be great for people at the beginning of their recovery journey who need round-the-clock care and support.
Standard Outpatient Rehab vs PHP & IOP
Other levels of outpatient treatment are available, including partial hospitalization rehab programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient rehab programs (IOPs). While each program offers similar services, they require different time commitments. PHPs are the most in-depth outpatient programs, often a step down from inpatient care. These programs generally require at least 30 hours of weekly programming.1
An intensive outpatient rehab program still provides structured care, but with fewer commitment hours. Most IOPs offer about 9 to 20 hours of weekly treatment or about 3 to 5 sessions a week. Standard outpatient rehab programs are the least intensive, requiring less frequent weekly sessions – usually 1 to 2 visits a week.
Standard programs can be a great option for people who can manage their daily lives while focusing on recovery. PHPs and IOPs can be ideal for those stepping down from detox or inpatient care who still need more structured services to progress in their journeys.
What to Expect During Outpatient Rehab
You can expect to meet once or twice a week for up to nine hours when attending our standard outpatient rehab program. Our standard outpatient session blocks are on the same schedule as our IOPs. You can choose a schedule that works for you, attending our morning session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a lunch break included, or our evening sessions from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
During sessions at our outpatient rehab facility in Atlanta, you’ll participate in various treatment approaches, including therapy, holistic practices, and support groups. We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and treatment for co-occurring disorders if applicable to your treatment plan.
Our Atlanta standard outpatient rehab provides the flexibility to maintain your daily routine of work, school, family responsibilities, and more. You’ll only spend a few hours a week in treatment which means you’ll get plenty of opportunities to practice your recovery and relapse prevention skills in more real life scenarios while still receiving clinical support. That said, you’ll typically live at home or in a sober living facility if applicable.
Standard Outpatient Rehab Treatment Services
We offer a wide range of evidence-based approaches to help you reach your recovery goals. Because our standard outpatient program is the least intensive, you may participate in fewer sessions, but the services offered remain the same as our higher levels of care like PHP or IOP.
Still, each aims to help you maintain stability and provide ongoing support until you’re ready to transition to independent recovery.
Your specific treatment plan will be based on your unique needs, but you may participate in the following types of addiction treatment:
- Addiction therapies: Therapy can help you get to the root of addiction and gain essential coping skills for lasting recovery. We offer group, individual, and family sessions with proven approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and even holistic therapy offerings.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Many struggle with mental health disorders alongside addiction. Our comprehensive approach addresses both conditions together to promote the best outcomes and long-term stability.
- Medications for addiction treatment: MAT can help you manage the physical symptoms of quitting substances, like opioids or alcohol. Our medical experts prescribe FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing you to focus on your treatment.
Who Is Standard Outpatient Rehab For?
Standard outpatient rehab can be beneficial if you’re ready to transition from a higher level of care. After completing a more intensive program, you may still need ongoing support as you readjust to daily life and the triggers or cravings that you may experience. These programs can be helpful in the later stages of treatment while you navigate these experiences.
You can build confidence in your journey while reinforcing tools to manage triggers and prevent relapse. An outpatient program can also help you create a stable recovery foundation and improve your overall situation. This type of addiction treatment provides ongoing guidance and support as you get back to your everyday life.
Benefits of Our Standard Outpatient Program:
Standard outpatient care can provide a balance of guidance and autonomy. Our standard outpatient programs offer several benefits to support recovery, including:
- Flexibility: With our outpatient programs, you can live at home or in sober housing, choose your own schedule, and maintain daily responsibilities while receiving the support you need.
- Affordability: As the lowest tier of treatment, standard outpatient rehab is also the most affordable. You can continue recovery without finances standing in the way.
- A balance of support and independence: You’ll have guided support while still being able to navigate daily life on your own. Standard outpatient care allows you to take what you learn in treatment and apply it to everyday situations. You can experience real-time growth as you practice managing triggers and relapse prevention skills.
Will Insurance Cover Standard Outpatient Rehab?
Yes, insurance generally covers standard outpatient rehab. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all health plans to cover addiction and mental health treatment to some degree.2 Depending on your insurance plan, your treatment at our outpatient rehab center in Atlanta could be partially or fully covered.
Your exact level of coverage when using insurance to pay for rehab will vary based on your specific policy. Our admissions team is here to help you verify your insurance benefits and understand your coverage.
Getting Admitted to Our Outpatient Rehab Program in Atlanta
We offer several outpatient programs to help you start your journey at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, including PHPs, IOPs, and our standard outpatient rehab program. Our addiction treatment center in Atlanta prioritizes your needs and goals, offering tailored personalized services to help you navigate life in recovery.
Whether you’re deciding how to pay for rehab or wondering about the best level of care for your situation, our rehab admissions team is here to answer any questions. Contact Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta to explore your treatment options and start your path to healing.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). TIP 47: Substance abuse: Clinical issues in intensive outpatient treatment. Retrieved on December 23, 2025, from https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma13-4182.pdf
- Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Health benefits & coverage. Retrieved on December 23, 2025, from https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/
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