Inpatient, residential and long-term: what is the difference?
| Type | Typical length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient (acute) | 1–3 weeks | Medical detox and stabilisation with hospital-level cover |
| Residential | 4–8 weeks | Full treatment: detox, daily therapy, relapse prevention |
| Long-term residential | 8–12+ weeks | Repeated relapse, polysubstance use, complex dual diagnosis |
In Swiss private clinics the three usually form one continuous programme, so you do not have to change provider after detox.
What happens during a residential stay?
The first days focus on medical detox and a full psychiatric assessment. The core phase combines daily individual psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, trauma therapy), medical care, physical activity and, in boutique clinics, small-group sessions. The final weeks build a written relapse-prevention plan.
Who needs long-term residential treatment?
- People who relapsed after a previous 28-day programme
- Polysubstance use, e.g. cocaine with alcohol or opioids with benzodiazepines
- Co-occurring disorders such as depression, ADHD or trauma
- Those returning to high-risk work or social environments
What does inpatient treatment cost?
From about CHF 7,000 per week in private psychiatric wards to CHF 60,000+ per week at Clinic Les Alpes and from CHF 116,000 per week for one-to-one residences such as CALDA Clinic. See the full cost guide.
Recommended clinics
Licensed Swiss clinics that fit this situation particularly well, starting with our editor's picks.
BoutiqueEditor's pickClinic Les Alpes
A medically licensed, fully inpatient luxury clinic in the mountains above Montreux, combining in-house detox and psychiatry with an integrated mind–body–spirit programme.
One clientEditor's pickCALDA Clinic
A one-to-one psychiatric treatment residence above the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, built on the CALDA Concept of in-depth diagnostics followed by a fully individual programme.
One clientParacelsus Recovery
A one-client-at-a-time treatment centre on the shore of Lake Zurich, built around a dedicated multidisciplinary team and a live-in therapist.
PsychiatricSanatorium Kilchberg
A historic private psychiatric hospital on the western shore of Lake Zurich, with specialised wards for addiction, depression and stress-related disorders.
SpecialistForel Klinik
One of Switzerland's oldest specialist addiction clinics, with a structured residential programme for alcohol, drug and behavioural addictions.
Frequently asked questions
How long is inpatient addiction treatment in Switzerland?
Usually 4–8 weeks; long-term residential programmes run 8–12 weeks or more.
Is inpatient better than outpatient treatment?
For moderate to severe addiction, risk of withdrawal, or previous relapse, inpatient treatment offers safer detox and more intensive therapy.
Can I leave a Swiss residential clinic?
Yes, treatment is voluntary. Clinics will discuss the risks and help plan a safe discharge.
Related situations
- Addiction psychiatry clinics in Switzerland→
- Addiction treatment in Switzerland for international patients→
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- Confidential and discreet rehab in Switzerland→
- Addiction treatment after relapse in Switzerland→
- Referring a patient to a Swiss addiction clinic→
- Luxury mental health treatment in Switzerland→
