Long-term Residential in New York
Some people need more than 30 or 60 days. Long-term residential treatment—typically 6-12 months—provides extended time to address deep-rooted patterns, build new life skills, and establish solid recovery foundations. For those with multiple treatment attempts, co-occurring disorders, or limited external support systems, long-term care often makes the difference.
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Long-term residential treatment extends the residential model significantly—typically 6-12 months, sometimes longer. The extended timeline allows for deeper work on underlying issues, development of stable life skills, and gradual reintegration into society.
Many long-term programs follow the "therapeutic community" model, where the community itself is the treatment. Residents take increasing responsibility over time, often moving into peer leadership roles. The progression from newcomer to senior member mirrors the growth expected in recovery.
The longer timeframe allows for more comprehensive life skills development: vocational training, education, financial literacy, relationship skills, parenting classes. Many programs help residents find employment or continue education while still in treatment, preparing for successful independent living.
Long-term treatment benefits those needing extended support:
• Multiple previous treatment attempts without lasting success • Severe addiction requiring extended stabilization • Co-occurring mental health disorders needing time to stabilize • Limited or toxic support systems outside treatment • Need for vocational/educational development alongside recovery • History of homelessness or incarceration • Young adults whose development was disrupted by addiction
You'll live in the treatment community for an extended period. Early phases are highly structured; later phases offer more independence and responsibility. You might work or attend school during later stages. The community includes peers at various stages of recovery—learning from those ahead of you and eventually mentoring newcomers.
Therapy continues throughout, but the community experience is central. Living recovery 24/7 for months makes it less foreign—recovery becomes your normal. Life skills development—managing money, working, handling relationships—happens in real-time within a supportive structure.
Reintegration is gradual. You might move to semi-independent housing, start a job, or reconnect with family while still receiving treatment support. This gradual transition reduces the shock of returning to independent life.
Typical Duration
Programs typically run 6-12 months, with some extending to 18-24 months. Length depends on individual needs and program structure. Many programs have phases—early treatment, intensive work, reintegration—with increasing privileges and responsibilities as you progress.
Intensity Level
high intensity
Long-term schedules balance treatment with life activities, especially in later phases: **Early phase:** Similar to short-term residential—structured therapy, groups, activities. **Middle phase:** Continue therapy; add vocational activities, education, or job search. **Later phase:** Working or in school; reduced programming; peer leadership; preparing for discharge. The schedule evolves as you progress.
- Previous shorter treatment attempts haven't worked
- You need extended time to address underlying issues
- Your external support system is limited or problematic
- You need to develop life skills and stability from scratch
- You have co-occurring disorders requiring extended stabilization
- You want to establish truly new patterns of living
- You can achieve stability with shorter treatment
- You have strong external support and stable housing
- Obligations (young children, for example) make extended absence impossible
- You're unwilling to commit to 6+ months in treatment
New York has long-term residential programs throughout the state, including therapeutic communities with decades of history. Some serve specific populations—young adults, women with children, people with criminal justice involvement. OASAS licenses these programs and may fund beds for those without insurance.
Long-term residential costs can be substantial, though many programs are state-funded or nonprofit with sliding-scale fees. New York Medicaid covers long-term residential when clinically appropriate. Some programs expect residents to work and contribute to costs during later phases. Financial assistance is often available—don't let cost prevent exploring options.
Verify Your CoverageEditorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- NIDA - Therapeutic Communities — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- SAMHSA — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NY OASAS — View source (Accessed December 2025)