What Is Residential (Inpatient) Treatment?
Residential treatment, also called inpatient rehabilitation, provides 24-hour structured care in a live-in treatment setting. Patients reside at the facility for the duration of treatment, removing them from environmental triggers and allowing intensive focus on recovery. Residential treatment is considered the most comprehensive form of addiction treatment short of hospitalization.
Who Is It For?
Residential treatment is most appropriate for individuals with severe substance use disorders, those who have tried outpatient treatment without success, people in unstable or unsupportive living environments, those with co-occurring mental health conditions that require close monitoring, and anyone whose safety would be at risk in a lower level of care.
What to Expect
A typical day in residential treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions about addiction, recreational therapy, 12-step or SMART Recovery meetings, and structured free time. Meals, housing, and clinical care are all provided on-site. Most programs are 30, 60, or 90 days in length, with longer programs generally associated with better outcomes.
Need Help Choosing the Right Level of Care?
Call 988 for crisis support, or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for a free referral to a treatment program that matches your needs and insurance.
How Long Does It Last?
28–90 days is the typical range. Research consistently shows that longer engagement in treatment produces better long-term outcomes. Short-term programs (28–30 days) are often a starting point, with many facilities recommending 60–90 days for severe cases.
How It Connects to the Continuum of Care
Residential treatment typically follows medical detox and precedes step-down to PHP or IOP. The transition from residential to less intensive care is a critical period — strong aftercare planning at the residential level is essential to preventing relapse.
The Continuum of Care
| Level | Hours/Week | Setting | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | 168 (24/7) | Inpatient | Residential or PHP |
| Residential | 168 (live-in) | Inpatient | PHP or IOP |
| PHP | 25–30 | Outpatient/Day | IOP |
| IOP | 9–12 | Outpatient | Outpatient counseling |
| MAT | Varies | Outpatient | Ongoing |
| Sober Living | Ongoing | Residential | Independent living |
Find Residential (Inpatient) Treatment Programs Near You
The directory below shows facilities offering residential treatment across the Southeast. Filter by state, insurance, or condition.
53 facilities found
