Levels of care

The difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab

Q: How many hours per week is IOP?

Intensive Outpatient Programs typically involve 9-19 hours of structured programming per week, spread across 3-5 days. Sessions often run 3 hours each.

Q: Can I work while in IOP?

Yes, IOP is designed to allow you to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities. Many programs offer morning or evening schedules to accommodate work hours.

Q: How long is residential treatment?

Residential treatment programs typically run 30, 60, or 90 days. Research from NIDA indicates that treatment lasting at least 90 days produces significantly better outcomes than shorter stays.

Q: Can I leave residential treatment early?

Yes, in most cases treatment is voluntary and you can leave. However, leaving against medical advice (AMA) significantly increases relapse risk. Discuss concerns with your treatment team before making this decision.

Published April 2026 · 8 min read · Last updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy — Written by Treatment Association's editorial team and reviewed by licensed clinical professionals. Learn about our editorial process.

Both are legitimate, evidence-based approaches — the right one depends on clinical needs, living situation, and circumstances.

Inpatient (residential)

You live at the facility full-time for 30, 60, or 90 days. Your day is structured: individual therapy, group therapy, psychoeducation, recreational therapy, life skills. Staff available 24/7 in a substance-free environment. Appropriate for severe substance use disorders, failed outpatient attempts, unstable living situations, co-occurring disorders needing close monitoring, and those needing separation from their using environment.

Outpatient

You live at home and attend scheduled sessions. Intensity ranges from standard outpatient (1-2 sessions/week) to IOP (9-19 hours/week) to PHP (20+ hours/week). Appropriate for mild to moderate disorders, strong family support, people who cannot leave work or family, and those stepping down from inpatient.

Cost

Inpatient: $10,000-$60,000 for 30 days. Outpatient: $3,000-$10,000 for a full course. Parity laws require insurers to cover both levels. Cost alone should not determine the level — clinical need should drive the decision.

How to decide

A clinician can assess using ASAM criteria, considering severity, medical needs, living environment, relapse history, and motivation. Many facilities offer free clinical assessments.

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About this article: Written by the Treatment Association editorial team. We do not provide medical advice. If you need help, contact SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is residential treatment?

Programs typically run 30, 60, or 90 days. Research shows treatment lasting at least 90 days produces significantly better outcomes.

Can I leave residential treatment early?

Treatment is usually voluntary, but leaving early significantly increases relapse risk. Discuss concerns with your treatment team first.

How many hours per week is IOP?

IOP involves 9-19 hours per week, typically spread across 3-5 days with 3-hour sessions.

Can I work while in IOP?

Yes, IOP is designed to allow you to maintain work and family responsibilities.

The difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab

Inpatient (residential)

Outpatient

Cost

How to decide

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Frequently asked questions

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