If you are searching for rehab in Wichita, you have probably come across two terms over and over again. Inpatient and outpatient.
At first glance, they sound simple. Stay somewhere or live at home. But the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is not just about where you sleep. It is about structure, safety, medical needs, mental health support, and how much distance you need from your current environment.
Inpatient rehab, sometimes called residential addiction treatment, means you live at the treatment center full time for a set period. Most programs range from 30 to 90 days, though some people stay longer depending on their needs.
In Wichita, inpatient rehab is typically recommended for people who:
Inpatient treatment provides 24 hour support, daily structure, and a controlled setting that removes outside distractions.
At Holland Pathways, inpatient care begins with medical detox if needed. Alcohol and certain drugs can create dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so safety comes first. Clients detox under medical supervision in a dedicated detox house before transitioning into residential treatment.
Once medically stabilized, the focus shifts to more in-depth clinical work.
Holland Pathways offers a 60 day residential program in Wichita designed to treat both addiction and mental health at the same time.
Clients work with licensed therapists to build individualized treatment plans. This often includes individual therapy, group therapy, trauma informed care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Medication Assisted Treatment when appropriate.
Structure plays a major role. Days follow a predictable rhythm that helps calm the nervous system and restore stability. Clients also participate in experiential therapies such as music, art, animal assisted therapy, yoga, and physical activity. These are not extras. They help people develop healthier coping strategies that last long after treatment ends.
Inpatient rehab is about creating enough stability to rebuild a life worth living.
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to live at home while attending treatment during the week. In Wichita, this usually includes either Intensive Outpatient Programs or Partial Hospitalization Programs.
An Intensive Outpatient Program often meets three days per week for several hours at a time. A Partial Hospitalization Program typically meets five days per week for most of the day.
Outpatient rehab works well for people who:
Outpatient care still includes therapy, education, relapse prevention, and support. The difference is that clients begin applying recovery skills in real world settings right away.
Going home can feel overwhelming. The routine changes. Stress returns. Old triggers reappear.
Holland Pathways designed its outpatient programs to act as a bridge rather than a drop off point. Clients step down into outpatient care with continued clinical support, accountability, and community.
This step down model increases the likelihood of long term success because recovery is reinforced while life gradually becomes more independent.
The honest answer is that it depends on several factors. The severity of substance use. Withdrawal risk. Mental health symptoms. Past relapse history. Home stability.
Inpatient rehab provides the highest level of structure and safety. Outpatient rehab provides flexibility and ongoing reinforcement. Many people benefit from both, starting with inpatient and transitioning into outpatient care.
At Holland Pathways, assessments are done carefully and honestly. The goal is not to place someone in the highest level of care by default. The goal is to match treatment to actual need.
If you are weighing inpatient versus outpatient rehab right now, you do not have to guess. A reputable program will walk you through your options clearly and explain why one level of care makes more sense than another.
Holland Pathways is here to answer questions and provide straightforward guidance.
Sometimes the hardest choice is choosing to start. Call now to get started.