Residential vs. Inpatient Treatment Programs

If you want 24-hour care while in recovery for addiction or mental health issues, you can choose between residential and inpatient treatment. While they may sound similar and some people even refer to them interchangeably, they’re two distinct treatment options. And one may be a better fit for you depending on your unique circumstances.

What Is Residential Rehab?

Residential rehabs offer 24-hour care for people with addiction or mental health issues, typically outside of a hospital setting.¹ You live at the treatment center and follow a set structure each day.

Residential rehabs have different treatment approaches depending on their staff, location, and philosophy:

• 12-Step
• Non-12-Step
• Holistic
• Evidence-based
• Spiritual emphasis
• Individual treatment

Many residential treatment centers combine these approaches to meet your needs. And depending on your rehab, you’ll also be able to access many different forms of therapy including group therapy, individual therapy, or experiential therapy.

Some residential rehabs tailor their treatment programs to important parts of your identity:

• Specialized programs for attorneys, athletes, executives, and celebrities
• Gender-specific and LGBTQ+-affirming rehabs
• Appropriate care for teens or older adults

With residential rehab, you typically get to choose where you receive treatment.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Like residential treatment centers, inpatient rehabs also provide 24-hour care. However, inpatient treatment is usually a more intensive program in a hospital setting.¹ Medical professionals like physicians direct your care alongside addiction specialists, nurses, and therapists.

It’s a common option in emergency situations like overdoses or self-harm. Some patients enter into inpatient treatment as a result of going to the emergency room or having interactions with law enforcement.

Inpatient treatment is more medical in nature, which is why it requires the resources of a hospital. Because of that, it’s common to detox in inpatient care from substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines because of how serious withdrawal symptoms can be.²

What Are the Differences Between Inpatient and Residential Rehab?

Inpatient and residential rehabs are similar in that you live at your treatment center. However, beyond that, your treatment will look different depending on which type of rehab you attend.

Setting and Level of Care Available

One of the main differences between inpatient vs. residential rehab is the level of care they provide based on their setting. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, residential treatment programs offer care that does not require the resources of a hospital.¹

Inpatient treatment programs provide the highest level of care, which requires hospital services with medical supervision. It’s typically for patients experiencing severe addiction or mental health issues:

• Overdoses
• Dangerous withdrawal symptoms
• Chronic or serious co-occurring mental or physical conditions
• A history of non-response to other treatments

Intensity and Goal of Treatment

Because inpatient programming is for serious situations, it tends to be more intensive.² The goal is to manage severe symptoms of withdrawal, overdose, or mental health conditions. Your treatment team will be focused on treating and stabilizing your condition.

Meanwhile, in residential rehab, the primary goal is sustained recovery, so you’ll learn relapse prevention and coping strategies, be able to process past trauma and develop healthier habits. And while it’s still an intensive healing experience for the patient, it’s usually less medically intensive.

Length of Stay

Inpatient care has a fixed length and is also usually short-term.² In the U.S., many states have different laws dictating how long patients can be in inpatient treatment. For example, in most circumstances in California, inpatient services cannot last longer than 30 days.³

On the other hand, residential treatment is longer-term.² The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days of treatment in most cases.⁴ And the longer you stay in treatment, the more likely you are to have a successful recovery. Your length of stay may also depend on your insurance coverage, responsibilities at home, and recovery goals.

Start Your Recovery Journey

If you’re ready to find addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Browse top medical detox centers in the US, inpatient addiction treatment facilities, aftercare options, and more to start on the path to recovery. You can search for rehab by insurance carrier, location, amenities, and more for free.

Don’t wait. Get help today.