Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
If you or a loved one struggles with mental health, you know the toll it can take on your relationships and quality of life. If you’re ready to get help, outpatient treatment may suit your situation.
What Is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is a type of mental health care that does not require you to live at the rehab center during your treatment.
With an OP treatment, patients attend treatment during the day and then head each night.
While inpatient mental health treatment is a great way to help with a mental health crisis, outpatient care is a good choice for those with less intense symptoms.
Anyone dealing with mental health issues and may not be in a crisis can benefit from outpatient treatment.
This can be helpful for people who have children or other loved ones at home they may be responsible for.
Outpatient treatment can also be an option for those who’ve completed an inpatient treatment program and need further assistance managing their symptoms.
In most cases, outpatient treatment is best suited for individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms that do not include suicidal thoughts or intentions.
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Types of Mental Health Treatment Programs
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all outpatient treatment. However, most quality outpatient programs will involve individual therapy, group therapy, mental health medications, family therapy, and aftercare services.
There are a few different levels of outpatient treatment, which are all structured a bit differently. You must consult a treatment provider to learn which type is best for your condition.
Outpatient programs types include:
- Standard outpatient treatment. Standard outpatient treatments meet a few times a week at a rehab center, mental health facility, or hospital. Group and individual therapy sessions are scheduled around the patient’s work, school, and other responsibilities. These kinds of programs may be a few months to a year in length.
- Intensive outpatient treatment. Most IOP treatment plans involve 4 hours of therapy 5 days a week. These kinds of programs offer more structure and support than standard OP treatment. IOP can last a few weeks to a year, but 90 days is typically recommended.
- Partial hospitalization programs. These medically supervised programs can benefit those transitioning out of inpatient treatment. PHP is the most intensive outpatient treatment type. It can involve up to 6 hours of treatment 7 days a week. PHPs usually are 30 days in length.
Regardless of the type of outpatient program you enroll in, they will focus on identifying your triggers, overcoming obstacles, and developing relationship skills. Mental health treatment in an outpatient setting also helps people navigate their environments outside treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Benefits and Drawbacks
Again, outpatient treatment shouldn’t be considered for those in mental crisis. In that kind of situation, you’ll want inpatient care. However, anyone with mild symptoms can find the support level needed within the range of outpatient treatment types.
If someone is struggling with co-occurring disorders, such as a substance use disorder, they will likely need more intensive treatment than an outpatient program.
This is due to the complex nature of the symptoms and dealing with identifying which symptoms are caused by which disorder. This process can take more time and more medical assistance.
Outpatient benefits include being more flexible and helping people learn to function independently. Enrolling in an OP allows patient to:
- Continue to receive help and support from home
- Keep their jobs
- Continue to go to school
- Apply skills learned in treatment to real-life situations
- Stay connected to a peer community also dealing with mental health issues
- Slowly make the transition back to everyday life
Personalized Mental Health Treatment at Destination Hope
If you’re looking for an outpatient treatment program in Florida, Destination Hope is here to help. We work to make sure outpatients address their mental health disorders in a manageable and reliable way. Call us today at (877) 650-6414 or online.
Sources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Behavioral Health Treatments and Services
Human Health Services (HHS) – Information Related to Mental and Behavioral Health, including Opioid Overdose
