Levels of Care: From Detox to Outpatient
Understand the continuum of care—detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient—and how to determine which level is right for your situation.
Addiction treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. The healthcare system offers a "continuum of care"—different levels of treatment intensity designed to meet people where they are and support them as they progress toward recovery.
Understanding these levels helps families make informed decisions and ensures your loved one receives the appropriate level of support—not too little, and not more than necessary.
The Treatment Continuum Overview
Medical Detoxification
Highest Level of Care • 3-10 Days Typical
Detox is the medically supervised process of clearing substances from the body. It's not treatment itself—it's the essential first step that makes treatment possible.
Best For:
- • Physical dependence on alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines
- • Risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms
- • Need for 24/7 medical monitoring
What to Expect:
- • 24-hour medical supervision
- • Medication to manage withdrawal
- • Transition planning to next level of care
Residential/Inpatient Treatment
High Intensity • 30-90 Days Typical
Clients live at the facility and receive structured, round-the-clock care. This immersive environment removes them from triggers and allows full focus on recovery.
Best For:
- • Severe addiction requiring intensive support
- • Unstable home environment
- • Co-occurring mental health disorders
- • Previous treatment failures at lower levels
What to Expect:
- • Individual and group therapy daily
- • Structured daily schedule
- • Life skills and coping strategies
- • Family involvement opportunities
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Medium-High Intensity • 2-4 Weeks Typical
PHP provides intensive treatment during the day (typically 5-7 hours) while clients return home or to sober living in the evening. It bridges the gap between residential and outpatient care.
Best For:
- • Step-down from residential treatment
- • Those needing intensive support but stable living situation
- • People who can't take extended time away from responsibilities
What to Expect:
- • 5-7 hours of programming daily
- • Multiple therapy sessions per day
- • Return home each evening
- • More independence than residential
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Medium Intensity • 8-12 Weeks Typical
IOP allows clients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving structured treatment several times per week.
Best For:
- • Step-down from PHP or residential
- • Mild to moderate addiction
- • Strong support system at home
- • Need to maintain daily responsibilities
What to Expect:
- • 3-4 hours per session, 3-5 days per week
- • Group and individual therapy
- • Evening or morning scheduling options
- • Real-world application of skills
Standard Outpatient Treatment
Lower Intensity • Ongoing
Regular therapy sessions (typically 1-2 times per week) for ongoing support and relapse prevention. Often the final step in the treatment continuum.
Best For:
- • Maintenance after completing higher levels
- • Early-stage or less severe substance use
- • Long-term relapse prevention
What to Expect:
- • Weekly individual therapy
- • Optional group sessions
- • Medication management if needed
- • Flexible scheduling
How to Determine the Right Level
The appropriate level of care depends on several factors that a professional assessment can determine:
- Severity of addiction — How long, how much, what substances
- Physical health — Medical complications, withdrawal risk
- Mental health — Co-occurring disorders, suicide risk
- Environment — Safety at home, triggers, support system
- Previous treatment — What's been tried, what worked or didn't
Key Takeaway
Treatment often involves progressing through multiple levels—starting with the intensity needed, then stepping down as stability increases. The goal is to provide enough support without more restriction than necessary.
Not sure which level is right?
Get a Professional Assessment
I can help you understand your options and match your loved one with the right level of care for their specific situation.