Understanding Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment
Not everyone needs the same intensity of support — and that's a good thing. Santa Cruz Drug Rehab breaks down the spectrum of care, from round-the-clock residential programs to flexible telehealth sessions, so you can find a treatment structure that fits your medical needs, lifestyle, and stage of recovery.
Explore Treatment CentersInpatient Care
24/7 medical supervision and intensive treatment in a residential setting
Medical withdrawal management with 24/7 supervision
Find Centers24/7 live-in care with comprehensive therapy
Find CentersMedical facility care for complex cases
Find CentersExtended stay programs for sustained recovery
Find CentersOutpatient Care
Flexible treatment options while maintaining daily responsibilities
Regular therapy sessions with schedule flexibility
Find CentersStructured treatment with increased support
Find CentersDay treatment with comprehensive services
Find CentersRemote treatment options via technology
Find CentersFinding Your Right Fit: A Quick Decision Guide
Key Questions to Consider:
- • How severe is my addiction — do I need medical detox supervision?
- • Do I have co-occurring mental health conditions requiring integrated care?
- • Have I tried outpatient treatment before and relapsed?
- • Can my family or job accommodate a residential stay?
- • Is my home environment supportive or full of triggers?
- • What level of care does my insurance fully or partially cover?
The Step-Down Model
Recovery often follows a continuum: you might start with intensive residential care, step down to partial hospitalization or IOP, and eventually transition to standard outpatient sessions and peer support groups. This gradual decrease in structure helps you rebuild independence while maintaining a safety net.
Search Treatment CentersWhat You'll Find on This Page
This page explains the different intensity levels of addiction treatment so you can find the right fit. Here's what you'll learn:
- Inpatient options: medical detox, residential treatment, hospital inpatient, and long-term residential
- Outpatient options: standard outpatient, IOP, PHP, and telehealth services
- Typical duration for each level of care
- How the step-down model works as you progress in recovery
- Key factors to consider when choosing your treatment intensity
Pro tip: Many insurance plans cover all levels of care, but you may need pre-authorization for residential treatment. Ask the admissions team to handle this for you.
Levels of Care FAQ
Understanding treatment intensity and what to expect at each level.