Quick Overview: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes outpatient care as having an appointment and leaving the same day. In response to the question, “How do standard outpatient visits and intensive outpatient care differ?”, SAMHSA describes one type of outpatient care as being like a standard doctor’s visit, with attendance depending on the care a person needs. It describes intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization as care that can include one-to-one appointments, group sessions, and learning about coping skills. SAMHSA also states that these programs coordinate care more intensively than standard visits and usually last for at least a few hours. These descriptions are general and do not establish what a particular practice offers.
Understanding the Outpatient Care Descriptions
Outpatient care means leaving after an appointment
SAMHSA defines outpatient care as having an appointment and leaving the same day. This description applies to the two main outpatient types SAMHSA identifies: care described as like a standard doctor’s visit and intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization.
SAMHSA contrasts outpatient care with inpatient care, in which a person stays at a hospital or treatment program overnight. Its outpatient definition does not provide the content, length, or structure of every appointment or program.
The phrase “standard outpatient visits” appears in the approved question. SAMHSA’s own wording is that one outpatient type is “like a standard doctor’s visit.” It does not present “standard outpatient visits” as a formal label.
Care like a standard doctor’s visit has attendance considerations
SAMHSA describes the first outpatient type as being like a standard doctor’s visit. It states that this type is best for people who can make and keep regular appointments.
SAMHSA also states that how often a person attends depends on the care they need. This is information about attendance, not a description of what every appointment contains. The source does not provide a set list of components for each visit described as like a standard doctor’s visit.
Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization has possible components
SAMHSA describes intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization as the second main outpatient type. It says this care can include one-to-one appointments, group sessions, and learning about coping skills.
SAMHSA further states that these programs coordinate care more intensively than standard visits and usually last for at least a few hours. The wording “can include” is important: the source names possible components, not a requirement that every program include each component.
The source also does not establish the details, availability, or structure of a particular intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program.
A source-bounded comparison
| Topic | Care described as like a standard doctor’s visit | Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient status | An appointment followed by leaving the same day | An appointment followed by leaving the same day |
| SAMHSA description | One main type of outpatient care | A second main type of outpatient care |
| Attendance information | How often a person attends depends on the care they need | Programs usually last for at least a few hours |
| Components named by SAMHSA | No matching set of components is listed | Can include one-to-one appointments, group sessions, and learning about coping skills |
| Care coordination | The comparison point in SAMHSA’s description | Coordinated more intensively than standard visits |
This comparison summarizes SAMHSA’s general information. It does not establish personal fit, fees, availability, or outcomes.
Separating Attendance, Components, and Psychotherapy Approach
Attendance frequency is not a full service description
SAMHSA says that how often a person attends outpatient care depends on the care they need. That statement addresses attendance frequency. It does not state that frequency alone identifies the content of a service.
For intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization, SAMHSA names possible components: one-to-one appointments, group sessions, and learning about coping skills. For care described as like a standard doctor’s visit, the source does not provide a comparable component list.
A practice can clarify how it describes a service, what it offers, and how it discusses attendance. General descriptions from SAMHSA do not answer those practice-specific questions.
Psychotherapy approach requires its own question
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that psychotherapy can use one primary approach or combine elements from several approaches. NIMH states that the approach used can depend on a therapist’s training and experience, the needs of the person receiving treatment, and the condition being treated.
This information concerns psychotherapy approaches. The supplied sources do not identify a psychotherapy approach for care described as like a standard doctor’s visit, intensive outpatient care, or partial hospitalization. They also do not identify the approach used by a particular therapist, appointment, group, or program.
A direct question can preserve that boundary: How does this service describe its format, and what psychotherapy approach may be used?
Reflection questions can clarify what information is missing
| Area for reflection | Question to consider |
|---|---|
| Service description | How does the practice describe the service I am asking about? |
| Attendance | How are questions about attendance frequency discussed? |
| Individual appointments | Does the service include one-to-one appointments? |
| Group sessions | Does the service include group sessions? |
| Coping-skills learning | Is learning about coping skills part of the service being discussed? |
| Psychotherapy approach | What approach or approaches may be used? |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists several therapy services
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Its website identifies Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW.
The listed services do not, by themselves, establish that the practice offers intensive outpatient care or partial hospitalization. A consultation question can clarify how the practice describes a requested service.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe the services listed by your practice?
- How do you describe individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives?
- Do you offer intensive outpatient care or partial hospitalization?
- How do you discuss questions about attendance frequency?
- What psychotherapy approach or approaches may be used?
FAQs
Is outpatient care the same as staying overnight?
No. SAMHSA defines outpatient care as having an appointment and leaving the same day.
Does SAMHSA formally define “standard outpatient visits”?
No. SAMHSA describes one outpatient type as being like a standard doctor’s visit.
What can intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization include?
SAMHSA says it can include one-to-one appointments, group sessions, and learning about coping skills.
Does every program include the same components?
SAMHSA uses the phrase “can include.” Its description does not state that every program includes each listed component.
Can psychotherapy use more than one approach?
Yes. NIMH states that psychotherapy can use one primary approach or combine elements from several approaches.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
Rooted Integrative Therapy states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. For inquiries or appointment requests, visit the Connect page.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.