
Understanding the continuum of addiction treatment from medical detox to independent recovery
Addiction recovery is a journey, not a single event. The continuum of care model provides a structured pathway of progressively less intensive treatment levels, allowing you to build strength, skills, and confidence at every stage.
At Trust SoCal, we guide clients through each level of care based on their individual needs, clinical assessments, and personal progress. Whether you are taking the first step with medical detox or transitioning into aftercare, our team ensures seamless coordination between programs so that no gap in support occurs during your recovery.
Understanding the differences between levels of care helps you and your family make informed decisions about treatment. Below, we break down each level so you can see what to expect at every stage of the recovery journey.
Each level of care addresses a different stage of recovery. Explore the details below to find the right fit for you or your loved one.
Duration
5-10 days
Schedule
24/7 medical supervision
Setting
Varies
Medical detoxification is the essential first step in treating substance use disorders that involve physical dependence. At Trust SoCal, our JCAHO-accredited medical detox program in Fountain Valley, California, provides around-the-clock clinical supervision by board-certified physicians, registered nurses, and addiction medicine specialists who ensure your safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process.
Immersive, 24/7 structured care in a supportive healing environment
Duration
30-90 days
Schedule
24/7 structured program
Setting
Varies
Residential inpatient treatment at Trust SoCal provides a fully immersive recovery experience within our JCAHO-accredited facility in Fountain Valley, Orange County. Clients live on-site for the duration of their treatment, which typically ranges from 30 to 90 days, receiving structured therapeutic programming from morning through evening in an environment free from the triggers, stressors, and access to substances that undermine recovery in the outside world.
Hospital-level intensity with the flexibility to return home each evening
Duration
2-6 weeks
Schedule
5-6 days/week, 6+ hours/day
Setting
Varies
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Trust SoCal bridges the gap between residential inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient care, providing hospital-level therapeutic intensity while allowing clients to return home or to a sober living residence each evening. Our JCAHO-accredited PHP in Fountain Valley, Orange County, is designed for individuals who need a high level of clinical structure but have a stable, supportive living environment that can safely support their recovery outside of treatment hours.
Structured clinical support that fits around your daily responsibilities
Duration
8-12 weeks
Schedule
3-5 days/week, 3 hours/day
Setting
Varies
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Trust SoCal provides a structured yet flexible level of care that allows clients to continue working, attending school, and fulfilling family responsibilities while receiving substantive clinical treatment for substance use disorders. Based at our JCAHO-accredited facility in Fountain Valley, Orange County, our IOP is designed for individuals who have completed a higher level of care or who require more support than traditional weekly outpatient therapy can provide.
Duration
3-12 months
Schedule
1-2 sessions/week
Setting
Varies
Outpatient treatment at Trust SoCal provides continued clinical support for individuals who have progressed through more intensive levels of care or who present with a level of clinical stability that allows them to benefit from weekly therapeutic engagement. Our JCAHO-accredited outpatient program in Fountain Valley, Orange County, offers one to two sessions per week, including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric services, enabling clients to maintain their recovery momentum while fully engaging in work, education, and family life.
A structured, substance-free living environment that supports your transition to independent life
Duration
3-12 months
Schedule
Flexible with program requirements
Setting
Varies
Sober living at Trust SoCal provides a safe, structured, and substance-free residential environment for individuals transitioning from intensive treatment back into independent daily life. Located in the Fountain Valley area of Orange County, California, our sober living program is an integral component of the recovery continuum that bridges the gap between the clinical structure of formal treatment and the full independence of living on your own. Trust SoCal's sober living is aligned with our JCAHO-accredited standards of care and is designed to reinforce the skills, habits, and accountability structures that clients develop during residential, PHP, and IOP treatment.
FDA-approved medications combined with therapy for comprehensive, evidence-based recovery
Duration
Ongoing as clinically indicated
Schedule
Regular medical appointments + therapy
Setting
Varies
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at Trust SoCal combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling to provide a comprehensive, whole-patient approach to treating substance use disorders. Our JCAHO-accredited MAT program in Fountain Valley, Orange County, is overseen by board-certified addiction medicine physicians who specialize in the pharmacological management of opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substance dependencies.
Choosing the right level of care depends on your unique circumstances. Here are some factors to consider.
Not sure where to start? Our admissions team provides free, confidential assessments to help determine the most appropriate level of care for your situation.
Inpatient rehab (residential treatment) requires clients to live on-site 24/7 in a structured, substance-free environment. Outpatient rehab (IOP or standard outpatient) allows clients to live at home and attend treatment sessions during the day or evening. Inpatient care is best for those with severe addictions or unstable living situations, while outpatient care is suited for individuals with strong support systems who can manage daily responsibilities alongside treatment.
Medical detox typically lasts 5 to 10 days. Residential treatment ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on clinical need. Partial Hospitalization (PHP) usually runs 4 to 6 weeks. Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs last 8 to 12 weeks. Aftercare and alumni support is ongoing and available indefinitely. The exact duration for each individual depends on the severity of addiction, co-occurring conditions, and overall progress in treatment.
Yes. The continuum of care is designed as a step-down model. Most clients begin at the level of care that matches their clinical needs and gradually transition to less intensive programs as they stabilize and build recovery skills. For example, a client might progress from medical detox to residential, then to PHP, IOP, and eventually aftercare. Your treatment team will make step-down recommendations based on your progress.
Most major insurance plans cover addiction treatment across multiple levels of care, including detox, residential, PHP, and IOP. However, coverage varies by plan, provider, and individual clinical necessity. Trust SoCal accepts most major insurance plans and our admissions team offers free insurance verification to help you understand exactly what your plan covers before you begin treatment.
The appropriate level of care depends on several factors: the substance used, severity and duration of use, physical health, mental health, previous treatment history, and your home environment. Individuals with severe physical dependence typically start with medical detox, while those with moderate addiction and stable living situations may begin at the PHP or IOP level. A clinical assessment by our admissions team can help determine the best starting point for your recovery.
After completing your primary treatment program, you transition into aftercare planning. This may include stepping down to a less intensive level of care such as IOP, connecting with sober living housing, attending alumni meetings, engaging a personal therapist, and joining community support groups like AA or NA. Trust SoCal provides a comprehensive discharge plan and ongoing alumni support to help you maintain long-term sobriety.
Recovery begins with a single step. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.