Curious about outpatient drug rehab in Tennessee? This guide explains how it works and who it helps. If outpatient is not the right fit, JourneyPure At The River in Murfreesboro offers trusted inpatient care near Nashville.
What “outpatient” means
Outpatient care lets you live at home while in treatment. You travel to a clinic for therapy and medical support. Care intensity varies by level.
Common outpatient levels of care
- Standard Outpatient (Level 1): One to two visits per week. Great for step-down and aftercare.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Multiple sessions each week. Often nine to ten hours total.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Daytime treatment most weekdays. Often four to six hours a day.
These levels are set by national clinical guidelines so patients match the care they need.
What happens in outpatient
- Assessment and plan. Your team reviews substance use, mental health, and supports. A plan is built around your goals.
- Therapies that work. CBT, relapse prevention, family work, and skills groups are common. Some programs offer contingency management.
- Medication when appropriate. FDA-approved medications for opioid or alcohol use can reduce cravings and relapse risk.
- Testing and accountability. Routine check-ins and toxicology support progress.
- Aftercare. Step down to fewer hours or to peer support and alumni groups.
Who outpatient helps most
- You have stable housing and transportation
- You can avoid people and places that trigger use
- You want to keep work or school in place
- Withdrawal risks are low or already managed
When inpatient is the safer choice
- Severe or long-term use with recent relapse
- Unsafe home or limited support
- High medical or psychiatric needs
- Detox is needed first
If any of these describe your situation, consider residential care at JourneyPure At The River or start with medical detox. Our campus is in Murfreesboro near Nashville.
Does outpatient work?
Research shows IOP and day treatment can deliver outcomes similar to inpatient for many people. The key is the right level of care and good follow-up.
How to choose
- Get an assessment that follows national criteria
- Ask about IOP, PHP, medications, and family support
- Confirm insurance coverage and schedule
- Make a plan to step down after graduation
If you need a higher level of care
We are here for you. JourneyPure At The River offers Detox and Inpatient Residential Treatment. We help with admissions and insurance so you can focus on getting well.
Get started
Call (629) 222-9449 or contact us online.
Quick facts and resources
- ASAM defines outpatient levels and guides placement. See the ASAM Criteria overview.
- IOP can be as effective as inpatient for many people. Read the 2014 review in Psychiatric Services or the open-access summary here.
- Medications for opioid use disorder are evidence-based. See SAMHSA TIP 63.
- NIDA outlines core treatment principles and therapies used in outpatient care. Download the guide here.
