Patients are increasingly becoming engaged in their healthcare, so it’s encouraging to see that most addiction centers emphasize patient communication. Research shows that providers who use teach-back methods involving caring and clear language are better at helping patients understand their treatment options. Even well-informed people often lack some knowledge, such as the distinction between inpatient and outpatient care.
What’s the difference between them, and why does it matter? This overview can help you understand the difference.
What is inpatient care?
Hospitals, mental health care facilities, and rehab centers usually provide inpatient programs. Inpatient medical care is when someone goes to the hospital for treatment. Depending on the treatment type, a stay at this facility or hospital can range from a few days to several weeks. Physicians, mental health providers, and other trained professionals keep patients in hospitals for extended periods to monitor their conditions more closely.
The decision between inpatient and outpatient treatment often depends on what programs offer. With inpatient, there is the advantage of being under continuous supervision, which may be helpful for those who need drug or alcohol treatment.
What is outpatient care?
Outpatient care is any treatment that doesn’t require an overnight stay. Virtually all other forms of mental healthcare, including group therapy, mental health counseling, and psychotherapy, can be described as outpatients.
Outpatient treatments allow patients to continue their normal daily activities alongside treatment. Outpatient medical care is usually scheduled around your regular working hours to avoid interruptions and provide flexibility while offering a high standard of care.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Comparing Services
Inpatient care examples
- Serious mental health issues include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Treatment programs are done under 24-hour residential care providing behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Evidence-based nutrition programs to help recover physical and mental health make it more challenging to resist relapsing.
- Recreational therapy, such as meditation and yoga or daily exercise programs.
- Intensive group and individual therapy sessions
- Support group programs, such as 12-Step meetings that can continue after treatment.
Outpatient care examples
- It will help you build upon skills you developed in inpatient therapy.
- The ability to attend work or school while receiving care
- Ability to practice relapse prevention techniques in the real world during the treatment process
- Many Outpatient facilities include family counseling or group sessions that can help the family members understand the challenges to be faced post-treatment
Inpatient vs. outpatient care, what’s suitable for me?
It’s always good to learn about inpatient versus outpatient care independently, but it’s best to consult with a medical expert. A licensed medical professional, mental health counselor, or addictions specialist conducts a systematic review to help assess your situation and locate a treatment option best suited for you.
The care you need depends on whether you need outpatient or inpatient services. When deciding between inpatient versus outpatient care, think of the benefits and drawbacks of each, and then decide which option best suits your specific situation.
You may want to consider an inpatient program if you’d prefer round-the-clock care. Outpatient care is usually the best treatment option if you’re looking for more hands-off, flexible treatment.
Typically, inpatient treatment is for people suffering from psychiatric conditions, severe substance abuse issues, or other serious mental illnesses. Outpatient treatment is usually best for people who don’t need an extended stay in a hospital or facility. Services offered at an outpatient program may include counseling, group therapy sessions, medical consultations, and psychiatric care.
The advantages of outpatient care
Outpatient care offers patients the convenience of recovering at home instead of going to a hospital. They can rest and recover surrounded by their favorite things (people, pets, and home), with home-cooked food and a good night’s sleep in their beds. Outpatient care is usually cheaper than inpatient care, so outpatient care might be the way to go if you’re looking for a way to save money.
Mental Health Care and Drug Rehab At Sobriety Solutions
If you’re struggling to decide whether inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is the right move for you, Sobriety Solutions can help. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services tailored to your specific needs.
We’re well versed in treating every type of mental health issue, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, and more. Our unique programs allow our patients to access some of the latest treatment options.
We offer an addiction treatment program and adult psychiatry program if inpatient care suits your needs. We provide patients with specialized inpatient care that gives them around-the-clock support and supervision. During their stay at Sobriety Solutions of Pennsylvania, our patients have access to some of the following treatments:
- Dual diagnosis
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Group therapy
Our intensive outpatient program can help you continue your daily activities while ensuring you receive quality care if you’re looking for outpatient care. Here, we offer our patients access to therapy sessions, skills-development groups, and recovery support groups, all while they can return home each evening. Contact us today to learn more.
