Home / Levels of Care /
The Embers Recovery Outpatient Program
Recovery Support On Your Time
What is an Outpatient Program?
An outpatient program (OP) provides flexible and ongoing treatment support for patients who have completed more intensive care levels or need structured support while maintaining their other responsibilities.[1] This level of care lets participants live the new life they’re creating from a clean slate while still attending treatment.
The schedule involves attending therapy sessions and support meetings a few hours weekly. Patients meet regularly with licensed therapists to address ongoing challenges, develop coping strategies, and strengthen their recovery skills.
OP serves as an important step in the mental health and addiction continuum of care, providing accountability and professional support while allowing patients to practice recovery skills in real-world settings. Treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Weekly individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy meetings focusing on specific recovery topics
- Life skills development
- Relapse prevention planning
- Ongoing mental health support
- Family therapy, when appropriate
How (and Why) Outpatient Care Works
Outpatient care creates a vital bridge between treatment and everyday life, giving patients immediate tools for lasting recovery. Rather than looking backward, this approach establishes a fresh starting point and a new direction forward. The program combines professional guidance with real-world application, meeting patients exactly where they stand today while lighting the path to transformation.
At The Embers, patients integrate recovery tools directly into their daily routines, practiced and refined in the moments that matter most. They maintain their existing work, school, and family commitments while attending flexible therapy sessions and group meetings. Participants can continue to live at home or in sober living environments.
This approach addresses a critical gap in traditional treatment – the space between learning recovery skills and living them in real time. Expert therapists provide immediate support as patients navigate real-world challenges. Patients will experience a consistent environment where they build confidence, establish healthy patterns, and form meaningful connections for ongoing recovery. This is where the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter.
The Efficacy of Outpatient Programs
Research demonstrates that outpatient addiction treatment significantly reduces the likelihood of rehospitalization and supports long-term recovery success.[2] Studies across multiple treatment centers show that patients who consistently engage in outpatient care after initial treatment maintain better outcomes over time. This is crucial for long-term success.
Length of treatment plays a vital role in recovery success as well.[3] Research highlights that patients who stay engaged in outpatient programs for longer periods show notably lower rates of relapse and rehospitalization. These programs prove most effective when they adapt to individual patient needs, taking into account factors like the severity of dependence, social circumstances, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Studies particularly emphasize the importance of personalized care approaches. Patients benefit most when programs combine regular therapeutic support with strategies designed for their specific challenges.[4] The research points to improved outcomes when programs incorporate:
- Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
- Support for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Ongoing medical oversight
- Strong social support systems
- Regular program engagement
The Ember’s Modalities For Outpatient Care
The Embers combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with holistic healing practices to create comprehensive treatment plans. Each modality serves a specific purpose in recovery, working together to address the full spectrum of patient needs. Our expert clinical team carefully selects and integrates these proven treatment methods into daily routines to support lasting transformation.
01
Art Therapy
A creative outlet for emotional expression and personal insight.
02
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Strategic approach to changing unhelpful thought patterns.
03
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Skills-based treatment focusing on emotional regulation and mindfulness.
04
EMDR Therapy
Facilitating healing through bilateral stimulation. This therapy helps clients to reframe negative memories and improve coping skills
05
Experiential Therapy
Active engagement in meaningful activities that promote healing, such as cold plunges and red light therapy.
06
Family Therapy
Supportive sessions to rebuild relationships and trust.
07
Group Therapy
The Power of shared experiences and peer support in recovery.
08
Hypnotherapy
Sessions that provide a focused, relaxed state that allows access to the subconscious mind for healing and behavior change.
09
Individual Therapy
Personal sessions tailored to unique recovery needs.
10
Internal Family Systems
A guided process to understand and heal the different parts of the self.
11
Life Skills Development
Essential tools and practices for independent living.
12
Medication Management
Expert oversight of therapeutic medications.
13
Mindfulness Coaching
Techniques for staying present and managing stress.
14
Neurofeedback
Brain training that promotes healthier patterns of thinking and emotional regulation.
15
Trauma-Informed Care
A Specialized approach for healing past trauma.
16
Yoga Therapy
Mind-body practices supporting physical and emotional balance.
Finding Your Place in the Continuum of Care
Recovery presents a unique journey for each patient, requiring a carefully calibrated approach to treatment. The Embers designs personalized care paths that match each patient’s specific needs and goals.
The process starts with a thorough assessment, where our clinical team evaluates key factors, including present symptoms, substance use patterns, and mental health needs. The clinical team will also consider life circumstances, available family support and social connections, past experiences with treatment, and individual medical considerations and medication requirements.
Based on this evaluation, our team recommends the most appropriate level of care. For many patients, combining outpatient treatment with Sober Living creates an ideal environment for recovery, offering both clinical support and real-world skill building.
The treatment path remains flexible, adapting as patients progress through their recovery journey. Regular assessments ensure the level of care continues to match evolving needs, leading toward lasting transformation and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outpatient Care
What is the difference between PHP, IOP, and regular outpatient care?
Each level offers a different intensity and structure. Partial Hospitalization (PHP) provides full-time treatment while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. Intensive Outpatient (IOP) offers structured treatment with more flexibility for work or school. Regular outpatient care provides weekly therapy and support for patients ready for more independence.
Can I continue working or going to school during outpatient treatment?
Yes, The Embers designs outpatient programs to accommodate daily responsibilities. Treatment schedules remain flexible, allowing patients to maintain work, school, and family commitments while receiving professional care.
How long does outpatient treatment typically last?
Treatment length varies based on a person’s individual needs, typically ranging from two to six months. The exact duration depends on progress, stability, and ongoing support needs.
Does The Embers treat both addiction and mental health conditions?
Yes. The program offers two distinct tracks, one for substance use disorders and one for mental health treatment. For patients with co-occurring disorders, The Embers provides integrated dual-diagnosis care addressing both conditions.
Sources
[1] GLEAVES, D. H., & CARTER, J. D. (2008). EATING ADDICTION. Elsevier EBooks, 179–206. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/outpatient-treatment on February 20, 2025
[2] Fleury, M.-J., Cao, Z., Grenier, G., & Huỳnh, C. (2023). Profiles of quality of outpatient care use, associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and adverse outcomes among patients with substance-related disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 18(1). https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-022-00511-0 on February 20, 2025
[3] Romelsjö, A., Palmstierna, T., Hansagi, H., & Leifman, A. (2005). Length of outpatient addiction treatment and risk of rehospitalization. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 28(3), 291–296. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547204001643 on February 20, 2025
[4] Vold, J. H., Chalabianloo, F., Aas, C. F., Løberg, E.-M., Johansson, K. A., & Fadnes, L. T. (2021). Changes in substance use during outpatient treatment for substance use disorders: a prospective Norwegian cohort study from 2016 to 2020. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16(1). https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-021-00403-9 on February 20, 2025
