Outpatient Treatment Centers Explained
Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to open a rehab center? Outpatient treatment centers provide many benefits for patients as well as operators. Generally, these rehab centers have more flexibility regarding the program structure and daily operations. This means that, in most cases, the startup cost for a treatment center is relatively low. Before opening an outpatient treatment center, it is essential to understand the basics of these centers and what is required for operation.
What Is an Outpatient Treatment Center?
Outpatient treatment centers are facilities that treat patients with substance use disorders. This type of program can vary in terms of intensity and services offered to patients. People struggling with substance abuse may be seeking treatment to help structure their recovery. Outpatient treatment centers provide patients with the support they need to recover while also providing a level of flexibility.
Patients attending outpatient treatment do not stay overnight at the facility — this differs from inpatient or residential treatment programs. Outpatient programs provide patients with day treatment, and the time spent at the facility can vary throughout the week.
Outpatient treatment services provide patients with education and therapeutic support to help them recover and have been found effective for treating substance use disorders and other mental health concerns.
People considering opening an addiction treatment facility may wonder about the cost of opening a rehab center. Since outpatient treatment centers do not house patients in a residential setting, startup and operation costs are lower.
What Is Needed to Operate an Outpatient Addiction Center?
Different states have different requirements for outpatient treatment centers. Outpatient treatment can range from eight hours per day, five days a week, to a couple of hours each week — depending on the level of intensity the patient requires.
There are generally fewer licensing and accreditation requirements for outpatient treatment facilities. Therefore, people new to the treatment industry may want to start with outpatient treatment. Owners and operators can spend less money while learning the ins and outs of running a treatment facility in their area.
How Much Capital Do You Need to Open an Addiction Center?
In terms of the startup cost for a treatment center, outpatient centers tend to be on the lower end. Inpatient and residential facilities require operators to have staff around the clock and facilities for housing patients overnight. Outpatient centers do not have these requirements and can generally operate in an office space of between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet. In general, less capital is needed to open an outpatient addiction center.
So, how much does it cost? In general, opening an outpatient rehab center costs approximately $200,000 to $400,000.
The Benefits of Operating an Outpatient Rehab
There are several benefits that operators may expect from opening an outpatient treatment center. Owners and operators of outpatient centers have flexibility in terms of requirements, and this flexibility has the potential to yield a financial benefit.
People who are opening a treatment center may be concerned about the startup cost and profit margins for opening a successful center. As mentioned previously, operators can keep the cost of a rehab center low based on the flexibility of space and staffing. While outpatient rehab centers will still require trained professionals to support patients, around-the-clock staffing is not necessary.
Due to the low startup costs, owners may see profit from their business in less time than opening a residential center. When owners and operators can keep the costs low in the beginning, they can see a faster return on their investment. This may be appealing, especially for business owners interested in growing their treatment business. Many people who start successful outpatient rehab facilities can grow their business to include additional levels of treatment.
Owners and operators of outpatient treatment centers can also benefit from building business relationships in the treatment community through the referral process. If patients or prospective patients need a different level of treatment, outpatient facilities can refer patients to other treatment centers. This referral process helps operators build positive relationships with other operators in the treatment community. The referral process also works both ways. This means that other treatment operators will ultimately refer patients to the outpatient center as well.
The referral process can also benefit owners and operators who run both outpatient and inpatient residential centers. People who have expanded their treatment business and service offerings have the advantage of referring patients to their other facilities.
How We Can Help
One of the biggest questions for those getting started in the treatment industry is related to how much it will cost to open a rehab center. For business owners and operators interested in getting started in the treatment industry, opening an outpatient rehab facility is a good option.
Operators can minimize their loss risk due to the low startup cost associated with outpatient treatment centers, and outpatient treatment centers have the potential to turn a profit faster than inpatient treatment facilities.
In addition, people who do not have a background in owning and operating a treatment center can more easily navigate the needs of an outpatient center. Outpatient treatment programs generally have fewer regulations associated with the facility. Operators can use this to their advantage to learn the ins and outs of the business.
Part of operating a drug rehab center is getting the word out about the treatment center itself. Treatment center owners and operators have a lot on their plate — especially if they are trying to launch a new facility. Drug Rehab Agency can help you navigate the treatment business and launch the right branding.
We can also share some best practices for keeping startup costs low for treatment centers. The Drug Rehab Agency works with operators who are starting an outpatient rehab by preparing a business plan and pro forma, as well as completing the licensing application process. This gives operators accurate startup costs and a strategic plan for opening their outpatient treatment center.
At The Drug Rehab Agency, we understand the demands of the business and are well versed in the ins and outs of the recovery community. We work exclusively with operators in the treatment industry to successfully launch their businesses.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
