Many people choose to work while in outpatient rehab. In fact, outpatient programs are designed to provide structured addiction and mental health care, but still allow you to continue responsibilities such as work.
Unlike residential care, outpatient rehab includes therapy sessions at a health center during the day, but you return home in the evening. People often choose an outpatient program because it has greater flexibility than inpatient programs. Outpatient programs therefore, provide crucial treatment and foster a sense of independence among people in recovery.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab is addiction or mental health treatment that doesn’t require staying overnight at a health facility. It’s a structured form of care, where you regularly attend therapy sessions throughout the week, but aren’t supervised 24/7. Outpatient rehab is more comprehensive than weekly therapy, but the frequency of the sessions depends on the specific program you’re in.
Types of outpatient rehab programs are:
IOP tends to run 6-9 hours per week, while PHP is at least 20 hours per week. Both programs include evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as holistic activities such as yoga and mindfulness exercises. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be integrated if necessary to alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms among people in addiction treatment.
Research shows that outpatient programs can lead to significant improvements in substance use disorders and mental health symptoms. Outpatient programs also have high retention rates among attendees [1]. One study also found that groups in outpatient programs had higher response rates to treatment for depression than groups in inpatient programs [2].
Did you know most health insurance plans cover mental health treatment? Check your coverage online now.
Why Do People Choose Outpatient Programs?
One of the biggest appeals of outpatient rehab is the ability to continue working. You can access high-quality care and still go to work, as well as keep a routine and maintain personal support systems. You can also keep earning an income while you receive treatment, which can be an important factor to relieve stress while undergoing care.
At Worthy Wellness Center, our outpatient programs are built around your existing schedule, so you can work and move forward in recovery.
People also choose outpatient programs because they are clinically proven forms of addiction and mental health treatment. On top of that, outpatient programs are more discreet than inpatient programs (because you can return home in the evening), and in some cases, outpatient programs are more affordable than outpatient programs.
For many people, the outpatient format means they can build a stronger sense of independence in their recovery and directly apply the skills they learn in the program to their daily life.
Does Working During Outpatient Rehab Impact Recovery?
Working during outpatient rehab can actually benefit recovery from addiction and mental health disorders. Working can help you sustain consistent, productive behaviors, provide greater financial stability, and encourage you to integrate new skills in real time.
For the majority of people, working while participating in an outpatient program does not negatively impact their recovery journey.
That said, it’s important to strike the right balance. Recovery has to be the priority, and depending on the severity of the disorder(s) being treated, and your history and needs, work may not be conducive to healing. Stress, distractions, and fatigue from work may interfere with treatment or may feel too overwhelming. Workplace triggers could also increase the risk of relapse for people in addiction treatment.
If you’re unsure about working during an outpatient program, speak with your care team professional or your case manager — they can give you honest, professional advice about whether to do it and how to structure it to suit you and your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your mental health journey, we are here to help.
Ways to Balance Outpatient Rehab & Work
While it’s definitely possible to work during an outpatient rehab program, the following tips can help ensure that you still receive effective care in the smoothest way:
- Communicate your work hours to the rehab center and your immediate medical support team
- Ask about remote telehealth services if you feel comfortable receiving care virtually, and it makes sense with your personalized treatment program
- Be transparent with employers about the time you need per week to attend sessions (remember that you are not legally obliged to disclose health disorders)
- Limit overtime or projects that extend your work hours
- Try to prioritize work that aligns with your energy levels before and after outpatient sessions
- Keep a trusted network of people who know that you’re both in an outpatient program and working, they can offer support when needed
- Practice regular self-care: sleep well, eat healthy, exercise, and do mindful activities to nurture your body and mind as you balance treatment and employment
Human-Centered Outpatient Treatment At Worthy Wellness Center
At Worthy Wellness Center, we offer evidence-based, compassionate care for addiction and trauma. Our outpatient programs are carried out by licensed, empathetic professionals who provide personalized treatment within a judgment-free space.
Through a combination of therapies, Medication-Assisted Treatment where needed, and holistic activities, we help you wherever you are on your recovery journey. We serve all people and celebrate diversity, and understand that working while undergoing treatment can be a necessity and a preference for some people. We do our best to accommodate anyone in employment while in our programs, and we consistently deliver high-quality care.
Our treatment center is located in Carlsbad, in North County, San Diego, one block from the beach. We integrate our environment with treatment, encouraging program attendees to use nature as part of their physical, mental, and spiritual rehabilitation.
You’re strong, and you can heal with the right help. Call our admissions team today.
Did you know most health insurance plans cover mental health treatment? Check your coverage online now.
Sources
[1] Watkins, L. et al. (August 2023). Clinical Effectiveness of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Integrated Treatment of Comorbid Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice.
[2] Driessen, M. et al. (December 2019). Effectiveness of inpatient versus outpatient complex treatment programs in depressive disorders: a quasi-experimental study under naturalistic conditions. BMC Psychiatry.
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