Outpatient rehab programs in New Jersey are an excellent form of treatment for individuals who do not require intensive care or have already completed an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab provides different levels of treatment, ranging from regular interval therapy to intensive outpatient programs and continuing care. Every form of outpatient treatment provides clients with psychiatric services, psychotherapy, and medical care regularly depending on their individual needs.
While outpatient treatment ranges from rigid to flexible in terms of structure, this form of treatment is not intended for people who require 24/7 care. This is because outpatient rehab asks its clients to manage their responsibilities, substance use disorder, and daily lives. If an individual needs assistance with staying sober, managing medications, and remaining dedicated to their treatment, inpatient treatment is recommended.[1]
What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab is described as a non-residential, therapy-based treatment for addiction and substance abuse. In contrast to inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab programs in New Jersey do not include on-site housing and 24/7 supervision. Rather than spending three to six months at a residential addiction treatment facility, clients will live in their own homes while commuting to outpatient treatment sessions.
There are three different types of outpatient addiction treatment programs in New Jersey. Let’s take a brief look at each one.
Day Programs/Partial Care Programs
Day programs, also known as partial hospitalization, are the highest level of care in terms of outpatient treatment. During partial hospitalization, clients will attend therapy sessions 5 to 7 days a week for several hours at a time. Because these programs require a lot of commitment, a person’s ability to work or attend school may be limited.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs, are suitable for individuals who require more flexibility in their schedules. During IOP, clients will have a list of milestones and accomplishments to complete. Each time a milestone is completed, the amount of time required to complete therapy sessions decreases. IOPs require multiple sessions for a few hours a week depending on the client’s schedule.[2]
Continuing Care
The lowest level of care in terms of outpatient treatment is known as continuing care. This is typically recommended after an individual has completed an additional form of addiction treatment. Continuing care groups are led by a licensed therapist who facilitates group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. This provides individuals with ongoing support to promote long-term sobriety and recovery. Sessions usually occur weekly and might be age-specific or gender-specific to promote comfortability.[3]
What to Expect During Outpatient Rehab in New Jersey
Before outpatient treatment begins, clients will be evaluated by the medical staff to ensure candidacy and create a treatment plan. Staff members will make sure that each client is medically and mentally sound enough to benefit from outpatient treatment. Once this is confirmed, they will work with the client to establish their goals and needs for addiction recovery. Patients will be asked about their medical history, drug or alcohol use, medications, mental health conditions, family history, and more.
Once the treatment team creates a plan for a client, they will be informed of the rules they will be expected to follow throughout the program. For example, many programs require random drug testing, breathalyzer tests, and even bag searches to ensure that clients are remaining sober. Each client is required to participate and attend therapy sessions as scheduled. Sometimes clients will go home with “homework” or assignments to complete that relate to their recovery from substance abuse.
Outpatient treatment requires clients to live at home or in sober living housing while attending therapy sessions during the day. Typically, the frequency and length of treatment sessions depend on the individual’s treatment needs and work or childcare schedule. While some outpatient programs require 5 days of sessions per week, others may only require one or two days.
Who Should Attend Outpatient Addiction Treatment in New Jersey?
If an individual suffers from a severe addiction, they should attend inpatient treatment before going to an outpatient rehab program in New Jersey. Additionally, individuals who are currently or at risk of experiencing symptoms of withdrawal should attend medical detox before joining an outpatient program. Individuals with poor support systems or toxic environments should attend a residential program where they can fully focus on themselves and their recovery.
Outpatient treatment is intended for individuals with mild to moderate addictions, or people who have completed more intensive forms of treatment before enrolling. Additionally, people who do not have unregulated mental health conditions or a history of relapse would benefit from an outpatient treatment setting. Outpatient drug treatment is best suited for people who have:
- Mild to moderate addiction
- Strong support systems
- Reliable transportation to attend treatment sessions
- Motivation to attend treatment and recover from addiction
- Low risk of withdrawal symptoms and medical complications
Innovative Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab in New Jersey
Moving Mountains Recovery is a top-rated addiction treatment program in New Jersey. We pride ourselves on providing unique and innovative outpatient treatment, setting our clients up with a strong foundation of recovery. If you or a loved one struggles with the disease of addiction, we can help you take the first step to a new life. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.
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