A PA? Really? Out-patient can be excellent for people who have already been in treatment, or for people who simply cannot do in-patient because of finances or other issues. But for a first-timer, in my opinion, it's just a way to avoid "real" rehab.
In other words, if in-patient is possible it's the way to go. They'll not be able to cheat and drink, they'll be accountable 24/7, and they'll get the seeds of recovery thoroughly planted for when they relapse later.
My two cents.
Cyranoak