OUTPATIENT DETOX
Blackburn Clinical Services offers a compassionate and clinically sound outpatient detox program in Los Angeles for people navigating challenges with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or other substances. Detox does not always require a hospital stay. For people who qualify medically, our program provides a safe, structured alternative that lets clients stay at home while receiving daily medical oversight.
Common concerns we help address
- Withdrawal management. Our team uses evidence-based medications and clinical oversight to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal, without inpatient admission.
- Craving reduction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps reduce withdrawal and cravings so you can begin recovery with clarity and focus.
- Medical safety. Detox from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines can carry medical risks. We conduct thorough medical and psychosocial evaluations to determine whether outpatient detox is appropriate, and our physicians are available daily to respond to any concerns.
What to expect during outpatient detox
Care begins with a comprehensive intake assessment by a board certified addiction psychiatrist. If outpatient detox is clinically appropriate, we design a treatment plan around your specific needs and substance use history. Throughout detox, you will:
- Check in one to two times a day with a licensed nurse
- Receive medications as needed to manage withdrawal and cravings
- Stay in your home environment, so you can keep meeting family, school or work obligations
Counseling is separate from the nurse check-ins. You will also meet virtually with a counselor to work on relapse prevention planning, family and environmental support, and resources for returning to daily life. Virtual detox is possible for those who qualify: it starts with an assessment by an addiction specialist physician to determine whether an outpatient level of detox is safe, and if it is, clients located in California meet with the care team by video, with in-person support as an option. Higher-risk withdrawal, such as severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal or a history of seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), needs in-person medical care.
Is outpatient detox right for you?
Outpatient detox may be a good fit if you:
- Are experiencing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms
- Have a stable and supportive home environment
- Have reliable transportation for daily check-ins
- Need a flexible, cost-effective option that lets you keep up with work, school or family responsibilities
Outpatient detox is not right for everyone. People with a history of severe withdrawal, seizures or serious medical conditions may need a higher level of care. When that is the case, we work closely with trusted partner providers for residential or higher levels of care.
Our approach
- A familiar environment. Recovery at home, with structured medical guidance.
- Pharmacological support. Medications to manage physical symptoms and support psychological stability.
- Flexible scheduling. Care that fits your life while keeping your health first.
How long detox takes
Detox length varies with the substance, how often it was used and individual health factors. We monitor progress daily and adjust care as needed. Most clients complete the detox phase once acute withdrawal symptoms have resolved.
What comes after detox
Detox is the first step in long-term recovery. After stabilization, Blackburn provides continued support through:
- Individual therapy and family services
- Psychiatric care, including ongoing medication management and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
- Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy
- Our Concierge Outpatient Program, offering 3 to 5 hours a week of one-on-one care with no groups
- Collaborative referrals for clients who need residential or higher levels of care
Important: stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives suddenly can be dangerous. Please talk with a medical professional before stopping on your own. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Our addiction medicine team
Outpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment at Blackburn are overseen by clinicians who specialize in addiction medicine.
- Ariella Morrow, MD, Integrative Addiction Medicine Physician
- Jason Kellogg, MD, Psychiatrist
- Clint Salo, MD, Psychiatrist
Frequently asked questions
Can I detox at home?
For people who qualify medically, yes. Outpatient detox lets you stay at home with daily check-ins from a licensed nurse and medications as needed, overseen by a board certified addiction psychiatrist.
What substances do you help with?
Our outpatient detox program supports people withdrawing from opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines and other substances.
How do you decide if outpatient detox is safe for me?
Care starts with a thorough medical and psychosocial evaluation by a board certified addiction psychiatrist. If outpatient detox is not safe, we help arrange a higher level of care with trusted partner providers.
Do you use medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Yes. Medications are used to manage withdrawal and reduce cravings, and MAT can continue after detox when appropriate.
How long does outpatient detox take?
It depends on the substance, frequency of use and individual health. We monitor progress daily, and most clients finish the detox phase once acute withdrawal has resolved.
Can I keep working during detox?
Many clients continue meeting work, school or family obligations during outpatient detox, since care happens at home with daily check-ins.
What happens after detox?
Care continues with therapy, psychiatric care and our Concierge Outpatient Program, or referrals to a higher level of care if needed.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.