How Long is Inpatient Treatment

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Inpatient treatment, also called residential treatment, is a type of intensive therapy for individuals struggling with addiction, mental health or co-occurring disorders.

Clients engaging in this treatment typically stay at a rehab or treatment facility for an agreed period while they receive professional help and support for their condition.

In some instances, inpatient treatment is imperative for individuals grappling with addiction and/or mental health disorders. 

This level of care offers intensive, round-the-clock supervision and risk management, which is crucial when clients pose a significant risk to themselves or others. 

Inpatient treatment is also recommended for those experiencing acute mood, behaviour, or cognitive disturbances or requiring high-dose medication with potential side effects. 

Additionally, inpatient treatment may be highly suitable for those who require more support than outpatient or day therapy can provide. 

Inpatient treatment provides a vital source of emotional support, fostering a sense of safety and continuous assistance and nurturing for clients throughout their stay.

Suppose you are thinking of enlisting in inpatient treatment. 

In that case, you can expect twenty-four-hour support and care from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including specialised counsellors, therapists, psychiatrists, and medical and support staff. 

This article explores the duration of inpatient treatment, including what to expect when enrolling in this type of therapy.

In the meantime, if you would like more comprehensive support and information about our inpatient treatment program, our friendly team at Centres for Health and Healing can help.

Meet our clinical team

We provide personalised inpatient treatment to those wanting professional help and support for various mental health and addiction issues, including: 

Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience and knowledge in diagnosing and treating a wide range of emotional issues, utilising a ‘whole’ person approach to healing and recovery rather than mere symptom management.

Using a holistic approach, we can help you explore, understand and manage your symptoms and condition with compassion, empathy and a renewed sense of energy and self.

Our retreat-style residential facility provides a welcoming ambience to help you relax, rejuvenate and recover, offering comfortable accommodation and various amenities in private, secure surroundings.

If you would like a virtual tour of our inpatient treatment facility, click here or contact our friendly team at our Toronto treatment centre, who will happily provide further support and information about our inpatient treatment program.

How long is inpatient treatment?

The duration of inpatient treatment can vary significantly and may depend on various factors, including:

  • The severity of your addiction or mental health disorder
  • Your work and family commitments
  • The fees and location of the rehab or treatment facility you are considering attending

Short-term inpatient programs

Short-term inpatient programs can vary in duration but typically last around two to four weeks.

Treatment often involves detoxification, stabilisation, comprehensive treatment planning and individual assessment.

Short-term inpatient programs are usually recommended to those who find themselves in a crisis or individuals experiencing acute addiction or mental health symptoms that require efficient, intensive support, supervision and treatment.

Long-term inpatient programs

Long-term inpatient programs can last one to three months, providing more intensive rehabilitation and treatment services than short-term programs.

Extended treatment programs allow you to explore and address any underlying issues, practise relapse prevention strategies, build resilience and learn coping skills that may help you avoid repeating unhelpful behaviour patterns that no longer serve you.

Although the duration of inpatient treatment is different for everyone, the average stay at a residential facility is usually between thirty to ninety days.

Advantages of a thirty-day inpatient program

Thirty-day inpatient treatment programs offer various benefits to clients and can be an excellent foundation for lasting recovery.

Most residential treatment programs provide detox management and other treatments, including behavioural therapy, mindfulness and trauma treatment, to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and learn specific techniques and strategies to help you overcome your mental health or addiction issues.

These treatment programs can be particularly beneficial for those with severe mental health issues and substance use disorders. 

Mindfulness Therapy - Centre For health And Healing

Thirty-day inpatient programs are most suitable for those with additional family and work commitments or other responsibilities where being away from home for long periods is not feasible.

However, while there are undoubtedly many advantages to thirty-day inpatient programs, it can be difficult to integrate back into your routine after only a short treatment period.

Why is that?

Many people find the transition from residential facility to home overwhelming and may need more support and preparation time.

Therefore, you must explore inpatient treatment centres that offer comprehensive aftercare and support once you leave residential care.

Advantages of a ninety-day inpatient program

Some people may initially feel overwhelmed at the prospect of a ninety-day inpatient treatment program. 

However, various studies have shown the effectiveness of ninety-day programs, particularly for those in addiction recovery.

For instance, some research shows that ninety days of inpatient therapy can significantly help to reduce or stop substance use.

Extended treatment means you have the time to explore any underlying issues that may cause or worsen your condition, allowing you more time to develop emotional regulation skills, practise mindfulness and build resilience.

These coping strategies can help you manage your triggers and emotional stress during and after treatment, leading to better recovery outcomes and reducing your risk of relapse.

Moreover, ninety-day inpatient treatment programs allow you more time to integrate into your everyday routine with more self-compassion, confidence and empowerment.

The bottom line

However long your inpatient treatment program might be, you must ensure that your therapist or coordinator implements an aftercare plan once you leave residential treatment.

To learn more about our aftercare and support program or to find out more about inpatient treatment, contact our team today, who can provide additional help and resources.

What types of therapies are included in inpatient treatment?

Woman with psychologist in the living room

Inpatient treatment typically includes a combination of different therapies and approaches to help you feel better and recover.

These treatments can help you understand and manage your condition, whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder; inpatient treatment allows you to explore the root cause of your issues, increasing your chances of lasting recovery.

Inpatient treatment typically includes a combination of the following therapies and approaches:

Holistic treatment 

As well as the above, inpatient treatment centres usually offer 

holistic therapy to help address your specific needs and goals, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma treatment and dual diagnosis therapy.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy are integral to inpatient treatment.

CBT helps you to explore and address any maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns that may have led to your emotional struggles.

By identifying any destructive patterns or habits, you can learn to manage intense or triggering situations in new, healthier ways in the future.

You can learn more about the benefits of CBT by reading our latest article here or by contacting our specialist team.

Trauma treatment

Trauma often occurs as a result of a profoundly distressing event or experience that exceeds your ability to cope. 

Much research has shown a strong correlation between trauma and unhealthy coping patterns, such as alcohol or drug use. 

These behaviours can help suppress, numb or help you forget any unpleasant memories or distress related to your trauma.

However, when left untreated, trauma can lead to various mental health complications, including addiction, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation.

There are various types of trauma, including:

Each trauma type has its distinct features, symptoms, and treatment.

However, the goal of inpatient treatment is to help you recognise the role that trauma may have on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, leading to acceptance, self-compassion, and resilience.

Trauma therapies such as EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) can help release ‘stored’ trauma from the body, significantly reducing a person’s symptoms and allowing them to think about their traumatic experiences without having such an intense reaction.

Contact our specialist team today to learn more about our trauma treatment program.

Dual diagnosis therapy

Dual diagnosis, also called concurrent or co-occurring disorders is a term mental health professionals use when diagnosing a substance use disorder and mental health condition in the same person.

For instance, an individual may have an alcohol use disorder and depression simultaneously.

Or someone may have a co-occurring cocaine addiction and borderline personality disorder.

Residential facilities typically provide dual diagnosis therapy to clients as part of an inpatient treatment program.

This approach allows healthcare professionals to understand the unique needs of each individual better, helping them to create a personalised treatment plan that encourages lasting healing and recovery.

Summary

The length of inpatient treatment is usually based on the severity of your symptoms (and what condition(s) you may have), treatment goals, progress and recommendations from your treatment team.

To maximise your recovery, you must work closely with your therapist or counsellor to develop a tailored recovery plan that best meets your needs and preferences, supporting your long-term goals throughout your healing journey.

Inpatient treatment at Centres for Health and Healing

Perspective on empathy

Centres for Health and Healing provides a personalised inpatient treatment program to clients in Toronto and surrounding regions.

Our specialist team offers a strategic approach to recovery, including a wide range of blended therapeutic techniques and treatments that can help you achieve and maintain lasting wellness and healing.

In addition, our addiction therapy and rehabilitation programs boast a remarkable success rate, and we’re more than willing to provide any additional information you might need to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Now is the perfect time to embark on the path to lasting wellness and recovery and start living the life you’ve always envisioned. 

We are here, fully prepared and eager to assist you.

Contact our treatment team in Toronto today for further information and support.

Additional resources

  1. How Does Inpatient Rehab Work? Verywell mind, Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, 17 December 2022
  2. Inpatient vs Outpatient Therapy: What’s the Difference? Verywell health, Michelle Pugle, 18 October 2022
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