How Much Does Outpatient Rehab Cost?
What's In This Article?
One alternative for those who are suffering from substance abuse problems is outpatient rehab. When a patient is in outpatient rehab, he or she will live with family and will travel to the rehab center for treatment.
Outpatient treatment programs can last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days. Some programs are for a set six-week timeframe. If needed, the patient can participate in the program longer.
For those who must pay for outpatient rehab out-of-pocket, the typical cost starts at $2,000 for up to 60 days of treatment. Outpatient treatment is much less expensive than in-patient rehab or residential facilities treating substance abuse problems.
The kind of program, its location, and your personalized treatment plan will all impact the overall cost of outpatient rehab.
What To Expect From Outpatient Rehab
Before your rehab program gets underway, expect to undergo a physical examination and to have a clinical assessment where you will be asked about your substance abuse problems, what substance is being abused, and your medical history.
These details will help the staff at the rehab facility come up with a personalized treatment plan with specific goals for your needs. If you have a physical dependence for specific drugs, such as opioids, heroin, or alcohol, you will have to undergo supervised detoxification, which might require spending some time as an inpatient.
While going through detox, the patient will suffer the symptoms of withdrawal, such as hallucinations, shaking, or nausea.
Once the treatment plan is created, it will include individual counseling or group therapy, or maybe a combination of the two. You will practice sober living, so you can adjust to not using the substance that you had been abusing.
The goal is to live a happy, productive life free from substance abuse and the effects caused by abusing illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications. The process can take several weeks, depending on the length of the patient’s abuse of the drug, the kind of substance being abused, and the patient’s; response to treatment.
The goal is to emphasize control over the addiction and to learn how to use tools, which might include anti-craving medication, along with cognitive behavioral therapy to overcome the substance abuse problems.
Does Health Insurance Cover Outpatient Rehab?
If you have health insurance through a group plan, it will most likely cover the cost of your outpatient rehab. You will be responsible for any copays, coinsurance and deductibles. Sometimes if the deductible has been met, you might not have any out-of-pocket costs.
If you have a private health insurance plan, it might not cover rehab unless it was specified when the plan was purchased or unless you bought a separate rider that ensures you have that specific coverage.
If you don’t have outpatient rehab coverage, you will have to pay for your rehab treatment program yourself. Some programs require full payment upfront while others will set up payment arrangements.
Choosing A Treatment Program
Don’t just choose the first outpatient rehab facility that you encounter. Take the time to do research. Not all programs are the same, and not all costs are the same. You want to choose a program that fits your budget and, also meets your needs for substance abuse treatment.
Rehab and treatment abuse programs have proven to be overall effective and beneficial, reducing the costs of medical issues, the lack of productivity, and criminal offenses that result from substance abuse. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and to meet with program directors face to face before committing to an outpatient treatment program.
Always ask about success rates and any recommendations that they have that might help improve the success of patients entering the program. According to APA’s Psychiatric News, a study regarding Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) determined that 50% to 70% of those who participated in an outpatient treatment program reported at their follow-up they were still abstaining from substance abuse, and that the outcome did not differ for outpatient treatment facilities.
There are two advantages to outpatient treatment, increased duration of treatment, which can vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition and how she or he responds to treatment. Also, how patients are given the opportunity to engage in effective treatment while staying in their home environment, so they can practice their newly learned behaviors.
An advantage is how IOPs are often covered by health insurance when inpatient rehab is not. Discuss outpatient rehab with your doctor to determine if it is the right choice for you.
