What Is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
What is outpatient mental health treatment, and how can you know if an outpatient program is right for you? If you think you can benefit from professional help, knowing the answers to these questions can empower you to make the best decisions for your health and your future.
To learn more about mental health options at New Mind Wellness, call us today or verify your insurance online. We’re excited to help you start your personal recovery journey.
What Is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
The short answer to the question, what is outpatient mental health treatment, is that it is psychiatric care that doesn’t have a residential component.
We’ll provide a more detailed response to this question in the next two sections. For now, let’s take a quick look at where outpatient programming fits into the continuum of mental health services:
- People who have been experiencing particularly severe or life-altering mental health symptoms often begin treatment at an inpatient or residential program. In both of these programs, patients live at the center where they’re receiving care.
- Inpatient programs usually provide short-term, crisis-intervention services, while residential programs offer longer lengths of stay so patients can receive more thorough care.
- Outpatient mental health treatment can be an ideal option for people who have completed an inpatient or residential program, but who can benefit from additional assistance (which many people refer to as “step-down support”).
- Though many people step down to an outpatient program after receiving inpatient or residential care, prior treatment isn’t usually a prerequisite for admission. Generally speaking, if your mental health needs aren’t severe enough to warrant round-the-clock supervision, an outpatient program may be the right place for you.
Levels of Outpatient Care
When you ask what is outpatient treatment, you’re actually asking about three different types of programs, or levels of care. The specifics of these different levels can vary from one treatment center to the next, but most outpatient programs share a few common features.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each outpatient option:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs typically feature about six hours of care per day, including breaks and lunch. Most PHPs are in session Monday to Friday. In the evenings and on weekends, you can return to your home or to an alternative supported residence.
Your experience at this level of outpatient mental health treatment should be similar to what you would expect from a residential program, except for the residential part. You will likely follow a personalized plan, engage in a variety of therapies and support services, and work with a team of treatment professionals.
Length of stay in a PHP can range from a few weeks to a month or longer. The exact amount of time you remain in treatment should be determined by your needs, goals, and progress.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs usually offer about three hours of care per day, with participants attending sessions two to five days per week.
This scheduling flexibility makes it possible for IOP participants to work part-time, take classes, volunteer, or otherwise engage in healthy and productive pursuits when they’re not attending treatment sessions.
Typical length of stay in an IOP is eight to 12 weeks, though (as with all other levels of care) your actual time in treatment may vary depending on a host of individual factors.
Some people step down to an IOP after receiving care at the inpatient, residential, and/or partial hospitalization level. Others enter treatment at the IOP level.
Remember: When it comes to mental health treatment, there’s no “right” or “wrong” course of care. What’s most important is finding the programs and services that are right for you.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Outpatient programming offers maximum flexibility and minimal impact on your daily schedule. At this level of care, you will likely participate in one or two hours of treatment per week.
This type of outpatient care can be a valuable source of ongoing support after you’ve completed any or all of the other programs we’ve discussed on this page.
Recovering from a mental health disorder rarely follows a linear or predictable path. Enrolling in an outpatient program ensures that you will have a safe space to address personal concerns or process difficult experiences as they occur.
Among many other benefits, continued participation in outpatient treatment can help you prevent minor setbacks from transforming into major problems.
Types of Outpatient Therapy
The types of therapies and services that you receive in an outpatient program can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Your mental health needs, the progress you’ve made thus far, and your treatment goals
- Which level of outpatient care you are currently enrolled in
- The focus of the center where you’re receiving care and the expertise of the professionals who provide that care
Your Outpatient Treatment May Include:
- Individual Psychotherapy
In one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist or counselor, you can evaluate your progress and discuss sensitive topics. You’ll receive focused guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. - Group Therapy
Led by a professional, group therapy provides a safe, supportive space. You can gain valuable information, develop essential skills, and experience the benefits of peer support. - Family Therapy
Family therapy offers a space for you and your loved ones to address issues, improve communication, and learn to support each other more effectively. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This practical approach helps identify and change harmful beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to psychological distress. - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a specialized therapy designed to reduce the emotional pain linked to traumatic memories. - Holistic Therapies
These therapies promote healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Options may include yoga, reiki, mindfulness, guided meditation, and life skills instruction. - Medication Management
For many, outpatient care combines therapy and medication. Medication management ensures safe and effective use of prescriptions for improved mental health.
As with the programming options we discussed earlier, there’s no “perfect” type of therapy that works for everyone. This is why it is worth taking the time to find a provider that will review your history, assess your current needs, and develop a customized plan just for you.
Learn More About Outpatient Treatment in Philadelphia
New Mind Wellness offers three levels of outpatient programming for adults whose lives have been disrupted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns.
At our mental health treatment center in Philadelphia, you can expect to receive personalized services from a multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists and other experienced professionals.
In addition to providing exceptional clinical services, we also work diligently to ensure that New Mind Wellness remains a safe space where all patients, staff, and visitors are treated with the respect they deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our admissions page or call our center today.
Begin Healing at Our Mental Health Outpatient Treatment in Philadelphia
If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier mind, contact us today. You will be connected with someone who can help guide you through our simple and straightforward admissions process. Learn more about our mental health programs in Philadelphia and begin your journey towards lasting wellness.
