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Outpatient in Virginia

1111 facilities offering this level of care

What is Outpatient?

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive addiction treatment while continuing to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. Sessions typically occur one to three times per week and may include individual counseling, group therapy, educational sessions, and skill-building activities.

This level of care offers flexibility for those who have work, school, or family obligations that prevent them from attending full-time programs. It can serve as a starting point for treatment, a step-down from more intensive care, or ongoing support for sustained recovery.

Outpatient programs in Virginia range from community mental health centers and hospital-based programs to private practices and specialized addiction treatment centers.

Who is Outpatient For?

Outpatient treatment may be appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders, those with strong support systems at home, people who have completed more intensive treatment and are stepping down, or those who need flexibility to maintain employment or caregiving responsibilities.

Outpatient care works best when individuals have stable housing, a supportive home environment, reliable transportation, and the motivation to attend scheduled sessions consistently.

Questions to Ask a Provider

  • How many sessions per week are typically recommended?
  • What times are sessions available?
  • What types of therapy do you offer?
  • How long is the typical program duration?
  • Do you offer telehealth options?
  • How do you coordinate care with my primary care provider?
  • What happens if I miss a session?
  • Do you provide drug testing?

How to Verify Quality

  • Verify the provider or facility is licensed in Virginia
  • Check therapist credentials and specialization in addiction treatment
  • Ask about evidence-based treatment approaches
  • Inquire about coordination with other healthcare providers
  • Verify insurance acceptance and understand out-of-pocket costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How often will I need to attend outpatient treatment?

Standard outpatient typically involves 1-3 sessions per week, each lasting 1-2 hours. The frequency may decrease as you progress in recovery. Your treatment provider will recommend a schedule based on your needs.

Can I work while in outpatient treatment?

Yes, outpatient treatment is designed to allow you to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities. Many providers offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate schedules.

Is outpatient treatment effective?

Research shows outpatient treatment can be effective for many individuals, particularly those with mild to moderate substance use disorders or as a step-down from more intensive care. Effectiveness depends on individual factors and treatment engagement.

What if outpatient treatment isn't enough?

If outpatient treatment isn't meeting your needs, your provider may recommend stepping up to a higher level of care, such as intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential treatment.

Does outpatient treatment include medication?

Some outpatient programs offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of their services. If you think medication might be helpful, ask about MAT availability when researching programs.

How long does outpatient treatment last?

Duration varies based on individual needs and progress. Some people attend for a few months, while others benefit from longer-term involvement. Many people continue with some level of outpatient support for an extended period.