Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Atlanta

Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility than inpatient treatment and is generally categorized into three distinct levels of intensity — partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), and outpatient treatment (OP). When a person decides to seek help for a substance use disorder, they first need to decide which level of clinical care will be the most effective for their unique case. 

Outpatient rehab in Atlanta is an ideal option for individuals who:

• Have recently completed a higher level of clinical care.
• Have personal obligations and responsibilities they cannot easily step away from for weeks at a time. 
• Are struggling with a mild or moderate substance use disorder and no co-occurring mental health concerns. 
• Are looking for a more affordable treatment option.

Outpatient rehab typically takes place several days a week for several hours daily. At Empowered Recovery Center, we offer outpatient treatment for 3-4 hours a day. Clients meet at our designated treatment facility for a combination of individual and group therapy, with a strong emphasis on life skills development and relapse prevention training. 

Outpatient treatment allows clients to live at home or in an Atlanta, Georgia, sober living home while they undergo treatment. We encourage our outpatient treatment program participants to remain engaged in a peer support group outside of treatment, specifically Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step program. Our clients implement the coping skills they have learned in real-life situations and process their experiences in a supportive group setting.

As a patient completes treatment, they will have less appointments. Our goal is to improve their quality of life through our program. If there is proven success in a person’s progress, soon there will no longer be a need for treatments. That’s what our outpatient programs strive to do for our patients. 

Maintaining sobriety is difficult to do alone, even if someone thinks they can go back to living their regular life. If someone has concerns about possible relapse, needs help with any present co-occurring disorders, or for general assistance, rehab may be best.

There are several distinct types of outpatient treatment. The main difference between each type is the commitment level. For example, individuals who are engaged in a partial hospitalization program typically meet 5 days a week, whereas those engaged in an intensive outpatient treatment program typically meet between 3 and 4 days a week. The best level of care for each client depends heavily on their unique needs. Our staff members are available to help potential clients determine which outpatient option is best for them. 

Partial Hospitalization

Partial Hospitalization is an intensive form of outpatient treatment. PHP caters to individuals with moderate or severe substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns. This type of outpatient treatment program provides a high level of care while allowing clients to return home or to a sober living environment in the evening. 

Partial Hospitalization offers a structure similar to that of residential programs. While engaged in PHP, clients will take part in the following:

• Intensive individual, group, and family therapy
• Life skills training
• Vocational training and educational placement
• The development of relapse prevention skills
• Dual-diagnosis treatment options for those with co-occurring mental health concerns
• Holistic treatment modalities, including yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation
• Medication management services
• Weekly case management sessions
• Weekly urinalysis/drug tests 

Intensive Outpatient Treatment 

Intensive outpatient treatment, or IOP, provides slightly more flexibility than PHP. IOP sessions take place in the morning or in the evening, allowing clients to maintain a consistent work schedule as they receive intensive therapy and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety.

Furthermore, according to Psychiatry Services, IOP programs for substance abuse “are as effective as inpatient treatment for most individuals seeking care.”

Our Atlanta, Georgia IOP program focuses on life skills and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. 

Outpatient Treatment 

Outpatient treatment, or OP, is the lowest level of clinical care available. In most cases, clients in our OP program meet 2 or 3 days a week for up to 3 hours each day. This level of care is ideal for anyone who requires extra support as they make a transition back into fully independent living. OP is also ideal for a person who experienced a very short-lived return to drinking or drug use after a prolonged period of sobriety.