Understanding Treatment Levels of Care
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Treatment programs span a full continuum — from medically supervised detox and around-the-clock residential care to flexible outpatient sessions and virtual therapy. Knowing where each option falls on that spectrum makes it easier to find the program that matches your situation.
What This Page Covers
Inpatient Programs
Round-the-clock clinical support in a controlled, substance-free setting
Clinically managed withdrawal under medical watch for a safer start to recovery
Find CentersLive-in rehabilitation with daily therapy, peer groups, and life-skills training
Find CentersHospital-grade medical and psychiatric oversight for acute addiction situations
Find CentersExtended stays of 90 days or more for deep, sustained recovery work
Find CentersOutpatient Programs
Scheduled treatment sessions that work around your job, classes, and family life
Regular counseling appointments that fit into a normal weekly routine
Find CentersConcentrated group and individual sessions totaling 9+ hours each week
Find CentersFull-day clinical programming with the freedom to go home each evening
Find CentersSecure video and phone-based therapy for recovery support from anywhere
Find CentersFrequently Asked Questions
Finding the Right Treatment Intensity
Key Considerations When Selecting a Care Level
- • Substance and duration of use: Heavier or longer use patterns generally point toward inpatient settings
- • Medical withdrawal risk: Detoxing from alcohol or benzodiazepines can be dangerous without clinical oversight
- • Mental health factors: Co-occurring conditions like depression or PTSD respond best to integrated, dual-diagnosis programs
- • Treatment history: Prior attempts and relapses may signal the need for a more structured environment
- • Home environment: Stable housing and a supportive network improve the odds of success in outpatient formats
Moving Through the Continuum
Most people do not stay at a single care level for the entire journey. A common progression begins with medically managed detox, moves into residential rehabilitation, then steps down to an intensive outpatient schedule, and eventually transitions to standard outpatient counseling paired with community-based recovery groups. Each step builds on the one before it.