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When Is Residential Treatment More Effective Than Outpatient Treatment?

When considering what type of treatment is right for you, all the options and choices can make the process seem intimidating. The good news is that we’re here to help. This blog will discuss residential treatment in-depth and help provide clarity about what type of treatment will help you heal healthily.

What Is Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment may be part of a treatment plan for someone in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). In this case, the patient lives on-campus at the treatment facility while they are in treatment. Living on-campus gives the patient full access to the help they need while also removing them from any unhealthy situations or relationships that may be influencing their substance use.

During residential treatment, the patient will attend various therapies that pertain to their individual needs. These therapies may include evidence-based treatments such as:

In addition to evidence-based therapies, the patient might also participate in complementary or alternative treatment approaches, such as:

As previously stated, the types of treatments offered will vary based on the facility and the patient’s individual needs. The patient’s care team will determine which types of treatment will be beneficial for the patient to sustain recovery.

What Type of Treatment Is Needed?

Since each substance has different effects on each person, the type of treatment needed will vary for each individual. Generally, the type of treatment needed can be based on the patient’s following factors:

Residential Treatment

In “What is Substance Abuse Treatment?,” the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) confirms, “Residential programs are best for people who do not have stable living or employment situations and/or have limited or no family support.” People who attend residential treatment often benefit from a structured and supportive environment where they can meet like-minded people and simultaneously receive the help they need.

Residential treatments also usually last longer and, as a result, can cost more money. However, they can be effective in equipping people with the right tools and empowering them to recover healthily. As previously stated, the type and effectiveness of treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Outpatient Treatment

In regards to outpatient treatment, SAMHSA further explains that “People who do best in an outpatient program are willing to attend counseling sessions regularly, have supportive friends or family members, have a place to live, and have some form of transportation to get to treatment sessions.”

Some outpatient treatments occur in places such as designated hospital wings, clinics, and within residential treatment centers. This allows the patient to still attend work, take care of their family, and commute to their treatments. 

One potential downside of outpatient treatment is that it can provide a little too much freedom for certain patients. As a result, it could be easier for them to be repeatedly exposed to triggers before they learn how to fully resist their temptations to use substances. This could result in relapse. Again, the effectiveness of the type of treatment received depends more on the person receiving it than whether it’s done in an outpatient or residential treatment facility.

Sage Recovery’s Residential Treatment Facility

At Sage Recovery, our beautiful residential center, which we call the Sage Recovery Villa, is located on 24 acres of Texas land and has 15 beds. This program lasts 35 days and focuses on providing holistic, trauma-informed care. We believe there are multiple pathways to recovery, and, as a result, we specialize in various treatment approaches, especially for those that have co-occurring disorders. In our recovery program, we offer evidence-based approaches, such as:

We also pride ourselves on our innovative approaches to treatment, including:

Business Professionals’ Residential Treatment

Another unique part of our residential program is our Business Professional Program. This program allows patients to attend our residential program without having to take leave from their jobs. Knowing that not everyone can take 35 days off of work to attend treatment, this program doesn’t make patients choose. Patients still live on-campus for the 35-day program, but their schedule is accommodated around their work commitments. This allows patients to still participate in meetings, answer emails, and more. 

Licensed Healthcare Professionals’ Residential Treatment

In addition to our unique Business Professionals Program, we also offer a program specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. The Licensed Healthcare Professionals’ Program typically lasts 60 to 90 days (depending on the patient’s needs) and equips licensed healthcare professionals to return to work healthily. This program is specifically designed with healthcare professionals in mind and can include the following:

Knowing what type of treatment is right for you can feel overwhelming. With all the choices and options, how do you even know which direction to take your first steps toward healing? That’s where we come in. At Sage Recovery, we know how important it is to have a supportive, compassionate team on your side. Our licensed, master’s-level clinicians are experts in dealing with trauma, SUD, and mental health conditions. No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to us at (512) 306-1394 whenever you’re ready. Our kind and empathetic staff are ready to walk alongside this healing journey with you. We are here to support you as you heal healthily.