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Virtual Outpatient Services

Table of Content

Table of Content

Virtual Outpatient Services

While outpatient services are a convenient option for many people seeking addiction treatment, online addiction support takes that flexibility a step further. Through Gateway Foundation’s virtual outpatient services, you can connect with alums and receive crucial addiction support — all from the comfort of your home. 

Our online outpatient addiction support platform provides you with affordable, accessible, and comprehensive care to help you maintain a substance-free lifestyle. From therapy and social activities to educational workshops and other resources, these services are here to support you on your long-term recovery journey.

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Get Started with Virtual Outpatient Treatment

What Is Gateway Connect?

The Gateway Connect app is our virtual addiction treatment platform. Using the evidence-based programs we are known for, participants receive the same quality of care in online outpatient addiction support. 

All you need is an Android or iOS smartphone, tablet, Mac, or PC to participate in sessions. For video conferencing, your device must have a camera and microphone. If you cannot connect through video, you can always call. However, video is often preferred since it allows an additional level of personal contact. 

Patients can choose programs from:

  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

By accessing the virtual platform, patients have the opportunity to see and engage with therapists and peers in their group. Times and attendance will vary based on location. You can expect a combination of individual and group therapy and educational groups, and we also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

What Is Gateway Connect?

Sessions will cover various topics, like:

Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can contribute to the development of addiction and vice versa. That’s why we provide dual diagnosis treatment at Gateway Foundation. To treat one condition, you must also treat the other. Our treatment for co-occurring disorders addresses each patient’s unique history, designing a program that best fits their needs and goals.

Our health professionals can prescribe medications like antidepressants to help with mental health symptoms so you can also focus on your recovery. In therapy, you’ll learn how sadness, anger, stress, or anxiety might trigger your substance use. Gaining insight into your emotions and stressors can help you build healthier coping mechanisms to heal. 

Relapse Prevention

Another important topic in online treatment, relapse prevention, involves healthy coping techniques and activities contributing to your sobriety. Your virtual therapist will work with you to discover the most beneficial ways to work through stress, anxiety, and other feelings that might contribute to your cravings. After treatment, you can apply what you’ve learned to real-world situations. You’ll also have access to an alum network and a support system for life.

Sessions will cover various topics

Addiction Therapy

At Gateway Foundation, we offer various therapies you can participate in virtually. Addiction therapy can include anything from behavioral talk therapies and family counseling to motivational interviewing and social support. CBT has been shown to help people with addiction learn their triggers and live healthier lifestyles. Motivational interviewing can help you envision all the positive ways sobriety can impact your life. In support groups, you can gain the validation and encouragement to continue forward in your recovery journey. 

Mindfulness and Creative Recovery

Studies show mindfulness meditation and other creative activities can benefit addiction recovery. At Gateway Foundation, our virtual therapists can help you practice mindfulness and other healthy techniques to work through cravings. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing have been shown to help people slow down, accept their feelings without judgment and reduce stress. Therapeutic art, like drawing, painting, or music, can also improve well-being.

What Are Virtual Outpatient Services?

Virtual outpatient services are addiction treatment programs offered online. When you opt for virtual care, you’ll gain access to an online platform to choose treatment sessions best suited to your schedule. Class times are often offered on weekdays at varying times. 

What Are Virtual Outpatient Services?

Instead of meeting in person, these services utilize technology like telephone-based services, texting or virtual chats, video visits, videoconferencing, and other web-based tools. You only need a reliable Internet connection and free time to participate in online addiction treatment. 

Most online addiction support programs utilize evidence-based treatment methods like any other level of care. For instance, you can expect individual and group therapy sessions, education groups, and other treatment modalities. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals, speak with peers going through similar experiences, and learn tips to deal with cravings and triggers.

What Are the Benefits of Virtual Outpatient Services?

Virtual outpatient services offer benefits such as accessibility, versatility, and crucial addiction treatment to support your long-term recovery. Here’s an overview of the benefits you can expect in online addiction support programs:

Convenient and Accessible

Convenient and Accessible

As long as you have a few hours to yourself each week and access to the internet, you can pursue your recovery remotely. 

Online addiction programs provide you the convenience of working around your personal, school, or work schedule. At Gateway Foundation, anyone can access treatment regardless of their physical location. You can choose from three-hour morning, midday, or evening sessions to fit your lifestyle. 

While many people with addiction can benefit, online addiction support is ideally suited for the following people:

  • Parents: Parents and people who care for others most of the time can appreciate outpatient care. These programs allow you to maintain childcare and keep up with family responsibilities while receiving addiction treatment.
  • Professionals: patients eager to return to their careers will appreciate the convenience of virtual outpatient care. You can easily schedule your treatment sessions around work obligations, including weekdays, evenings, or even weekends. While it takes dedication and focus, it is possible to balance work and recovery. 
  • Students: While college schedules can become hectic, virtual addiction programs allow students to balance schoolwork and treatment, helping them stay on track toward graduation.
  • Those who can’t travel: Virtual addiction services are an excellent option if you cannot drive or get reliable access to transportation. These programs can provide life-saving care from the comfort of your home, allowing anyone to get treatment regardless of their physical location or disability. 

Anyone with a busy schedule can appreciate the convenience of online outpatient addiction support. These programs allow you to get to work on time, spend more time with friends and family and partake in hobbies while receiving addiction care. For anyone dealing with stress, burnout, or having trouble balancing their personal life, the ability to seek treatment without leaving the house can be life-changing. 

online addiction support is ideally suited for the following people

Private and Highly Personalized

Many people appreciate online treatment for its privacy and discreetness. When you join your weekly sessions, you’ll only communicate with health professionals and others in your program. Since each program is private, you won’t have to worry about running into someone you know. Gateway Foundation also uses a secure, compliant network to protect your confidentiality and safety.

Receiving treatment at home adds an extra level of privacy that in-person therapy just can’t offer. Our virtual therapists have the technical expertise to maintain a positive patient experience. We keep attendance to ensure patients are accountable, engaged, and comfortable throughout the process.

Additionally, you can expect a highly individualized experience in online treatment. Since no two addictions are identical, we aim to work with you and design a program that fits your unique history, needs, and recovery goals. While remote addiction treatment might lack some of the benefits of residential care, you can always expect a personalized program created with your long-term sobriety in mind.

Private and Highly Personalized

Affordable

Virtual addiction treatment tends to be a more affordable option for patients. Since services are only offered a few times a week, and you aren’t paying for food or lodging, you can expect to pay less than you would for a 24/7 treatment experience. You can also save on child care and travel expenses by opting for remote care.

Online treatment will emphasize the importance of keeping up with your long-term sobriety, and since sessions are only offered a few times a week, you might keep up with your program for an extended period. This could potentially increase your chance of a successful treatment outcome.

Quality Care

Virtual outpatient treatment offers the same quality care as other addiction services. You can expect evidence-based treatments like psychotherapies. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you discover the triggers that might lead to substance use and teaches you alternative strategies to manage triggers like stress and anxiety.

You’ll have access to specialized licensed therapists equipped to help you with relapse prevention techniques and be a source of support when you need it most. Holistic therapies and other forms of care take a comprehensive, whole-body approach to help you heal. We carefully hand-pick each member of our team based on their credentials, experience, qualifications, and compassion for our cause. 

Quality Care

And while you might not have intensive 24/7 supervision typical of residential care, you’ll have access to various resources and support services outside of treatment sessions — all easily accessible from our app. These resources are meant to be helpful guides in times of need. So, even if you aren’t physically in any of our programs, we are here for you whenever you need us.

Get Help With the Gateway Connect App

Recovery requires commitment, focus, and a robust support system. Thanks to the Gateway Connect app, you’ll always have someone on your side. Our virtual offerings make it easier to manage your sobriety and focus on your long-term health. To participate, download our app to your smartphone or tablet. You’ll instantly be connected with fellow Gateway Foundation alums, educational workshops, and other crucial resources.

Get Help With the Gateway Connect App

Our service can empower your recovery in crucial ways, providing the following:

  • Peer support: This private group gives you access to a community of peers to keep you engaged and connected throughout recovery. Share updates, ask questions, and support others on their journey in real-time — all without needing to leave the house. For instance, the app can connect you with support groups like the online intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), virtual Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting resources, and other support groups.
  • Educational workshops: Gateway Foundation also offers educational workshops, such as Explore Recovery, a safe online space for patients, friends, or family members to learn more about recovery options. These educational sessions are led by credentialed professional staff, addressing stigma, the disease of addiction, and other important topics. You can also access other educational workshops through the Gateway Connect app.
  • Professional guidance: The app connects you with therapists and coaches as needed. You can receive advice and feedback or share updates to keep your coaches informed along your journey. Professionals can be there in times of need and provide the coping mechanisms you need to stay comfortable and healthy through recovery.
  • Links to crucial resources: Gateway Connect gives you access to vital resources like blogs, podcasts, and books focused on addiction recovery. You’ll get personalized events, messages, and resources like blogs, books, and podcasts to help you progress through recovery. 

Ultimately, the Gateway Connect app is a safe space to share your voice and inspire others on recovery topics. The community is invite-only and you can control the information you share. Our interactive tool provides the assistance and inspiration you need when you need it most, straight to your mobile device. Whether you lack transportation, live far from the treatment center, or feel uncomfortable being part of in-person groups, the Gateway Connect app can provide the help you need. 

You can download the Gateway Connect app from the App Store or Google Play for crucial online addiction support.

Virtual Addiction Services — Saving Lives

For over 50 years, Gateway Foundation has been a trusted service for evidence-based, comprehensive, and medication-assisted treatment in the Midwest and nationally. While we have grown to include more inclusive, technology-based services, our core values remain the same.

Just because your sessions occur online does not change our dedication to your care. Our licensed and compassionate staff will get to know you through your chosen virtual platform and create a treatment plan that aligns with your health needs and unique recovery goals.

Virtual Addiction Services — Saving Lives

Crucial components of our virtual programs that contribute to a more successful, practical recovery include: 

  • A focus on dual diagnosis to address both addiction and mental health conditions
  • A flexible format to fit your schedule and obligations 
  • A program that is with you wherever you go
  • Experts in addiction care and medicine, accessible from your own home or office
  • Medications, if needed to ease withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or co-occurring mental health conditions 
  • A strong alum program to support you during and after treatment

Any online outpatient addiction support program can provide the flexibility in scheduling that you need. Whether you have childcare or family responsibilities, academic pursuits, or work obligations, virtual services offer the ability to balance recovery and your personal and professional life. 

With its accessibility, affordability, and quality care, online addiction treatment can save lives. At Gateway Foundation, we are committed to your recovery and will help you heal in the most convenient way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Outpatient Services

If you’re considering virtual outpatient treatment, you likely have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients have about the program:

1. Is Gateway Connect Programming Covered by Insurance?

Is Gateway Connect Programming Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans pay for Gateway Foundation’s online outpatient sessions, leaving minimal out-of-pocket expenses. It’s also worth considering that outpatient programs are a more affordable addiction treatment option. Additionally, you won’t have to pay for transportation, childcare expenses, and other costs associated with in-person treatment. 

You’ll want to ensure your health insurance covers telehealth sessions so there are no surprises later. Generally, most insurance companies cover mental health treatment costs for virtual sessions. 

2. How Does Virtual Addiction Treatment Work?

If you are considering Gateway’s virtual addiction services, you might wonder how they work. Thanks to technology, our virtual addiction program mirrors many of our in-person treatment elements — just through a different medium. Our teleconferencing platform is compliant with privacy laws so you can see and interact with peers and therapists.

You will need the following items to participate: 

  • A stable Internet connection
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer
  • A webcam or smartphone camera
  • An external or internal microphone
  • Speakers or a headset
  • A private, quiet environment where you can speak comfortably 

How Does Virtual Addiction Treatment Work?

3. Who Do Program Participants Interact With Virtually?

You’ll meet one-on-one with a licensed addiction counselor during your therapy sessions. Group therapy also includes those participating online, like you. Your facilitator will note who is in your sessions for documentation purposes. Besides that, you can choose how much or how little you share during group discussions. You can also limit video and audio access. 

Many people prefer virtual interactions as they offer a wider range of ways to build stronger relationships online. You can form bonds without physical limitations and get the support you need when needed. You might even have more time to join virtual communities since you won’t need to travel. 

4. Can I Receive Medication-Assisted Treatment in Virtual Programs?

A component of comprehensive, evidence-based treatment is knowing when you require medication assistance. While not every patient needs medication, some might find it a crucial part of recovery. Our medical professionals can work with you to create a medication plan that supports your recovery goals. Some medicines can ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Others might help manage underlying conditions like depression and anxiety.

5. Is Virtual Outpatient Treatment Effective?

Online addiction treatment can be just as effective as traditional in-person treatment programs. Our virtual program focuses on relapse prevention and your short and long-term recovery, ensuring that you keep up with sessions for your overall success. Each plan and treatment outcome will differ depending on the patient’s needs, though virtual care can immensely benefit many people.

Is Virtual Outpatient Treatment Effective?

Gateway’s On-Site Locations

Gateway Foundation is the largest national nonprofit treatment provider in several Illinois locations. Our residential treatment centers might be close or within your community, ensuring families can participate in their loved one’s recovery. Gateway Foundation’s outpatient centers are close to several metro areas across the state.

We offer all levels of care, including:

The inclusion of our virtual Gateway Connect programs makes treatment even more accessible and convenient than before.

Partner With Us for Life

Partner With Us for Life 

Recovery is a lifelong process, full of ups and downs. It takes dedication and focuses to achieve success. You can benefit from ongoing support and aftercare programs with Gateway Connect. Peer support, educational workshops, and other professional services can help empower your recovery for the long haul. You can also access continued support from alums through the Gateway Connect app. So, even after your treatment program ends, our virtual outpatient services ensure you have life support.

How to Get Started With Virtual Outpatient Treatment

Virtual outpatient treatment is a crucial resource for many people, offering convenient scheduling, easy accessibility, and affordable care — wherever and whenever you need it most.

Call us at 877-505-4673 for a free, confidential assessment to see if we are right for you. Gateway Foundation is also in-network with most insurance providers.

Contact us to learn more about our virtual outpatient programs.

How to Get Started With Virtual Outpatient Treatment

Gateway was one of the best decisions of my life they truly saved me from the road I was headed down! I would love to thank the staff and of course my amazing counselor Adrain really helped me refocus my life on the right path without gateway I wouldn’t have made it thank you and I love this place I always come back to alumni meeting and events.

My family member just competed her 28 day stay she had a great experience the staff is wonderful and treated her with respect and went above and beyond to help her. Gateway saved my family members life. It was not easy finding a nice inpatient rehab and gateway made the whole process very smooth we are so thankful we found this facility. Thank you gateway.

Spent some time here and got some great tools to help me in my recovery. My counselors in the women’s unit were great and supportive. Love the monthly alumni meetings after treatment, great way to stay connected.

A little over 7 years ago I decided to seek treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and chose this facility as a place to try and arrest my disease and I have been clean and sober ever since. After 30 days inpatient treatment and 9 months outpatient I was able to achieve that goal. I recommend this facility to anyone who truly wants freedom from active addiction.

This place honestly saved my life. I was so bad my counselor said in the 2 years she was working there my case was the most unique she’s ever had, and now I’m almost 15 months clean!

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What Our patients Say

Gateway was one of the best decisions of my life they truly saved me from the road I was headed down! I would love to thank the staff and of course my amazing counselor Adrain really helped me refocus my life on the right path without gateway I wouldn’t have made it thank you and I love this place I always come back to alumni meeting and events.

My family member just competed her 28 day stay she had a great experience the staff is wonderful and treated her with respect and went above and beyond to help her. Gateway saved my family members life. It was not easy finding a nice inpatient rehab and gateway made the whole process very smooth we are so thankful we found this facility. Thank you gateway.

Spent some time here and got some great tools to help me in my recovery. My counselors in the women’s unit were great and supportive. Love the monthly alumni meetings after treatment, great way to stay connected.

A little over 7 years ago I decided to seek treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and chose this facility as a place to try and arrest my disease and I have been clean and sober ever since. After 30 days inpatient treatment and 9 months outpatient I was able to achieve that goal. I recommend this facility to anyone who truly wants freedom from active addiction.

This place honestly saved my life. I was so bad my counselor said in the 2 years she was working there my case was the most unique she’s ever had, and now I’m almost 15 months clean!

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