Millions of people live with a mental health condition that impacts their daily life. Participating in comprehensive mental health treatment programs can help people learn how to manage their symptoms. Getting the right type of treatment allows people to learn about mental health, develop a support system, and work toward better long-term health.
There are several mental health treatment options, including both inpatient programs and outpatient care. This article will explore the advantages of outpatient treatment. You will learn:
- What to expect from outpatient services
- The benefits of receiving treatment in an outpatient setting
- How to determine if outpatient treatment is right for you
- Where to find comprehensive mental health services
If you or someone you love lives with a mental health disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to explore our evidence-based programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
There are several levels of care in mental health treatment. Inpatient and residential treatment programs provide round-the-clock supervision and treatment to people with mental health conditions.
Outpatient programs provide mental health treatment in an outpatient setting. Care may occur in a clinic, community center, or another setting. People may participate in outpatient treatment after attending residential treatment. Or, people may begin their mental health treatment journey in an outpatient program.
Outpatient therapy programs are more flexible than inpatient treatment. Flexible treatment plans and schedules allow people to receive the tailored care they need while continuing to stay active in their daily lives. People may continue going to school, working, caring for others, and other activities while receiving treatment.
There are several levels of outpatient mental health treatment. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the most intensive outpatient program. PHPs typically meet on most or all weekdays. In total, people may spend 25 hours or more engaging in therapeutic activities.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer intensive support and treatment. People may attend therapy sessions three days a week or more.
Outpatient treatment programs may also include weekly (or more often) talk therapy sessions. People may meet regularly with a licensed mental health professional to work toward goals, process emotions, and more.
Outpatient mental health treatment programs are typically flexible and adaptable to each person’s unique needs. This type of treatment allows people to get the specific treatment they need to address a broad range of mental health conditions.
What to Expect From Outpatient Rehab Programs
Outpatient mental health treatment programs provide structure, support, and therapy that can help people manage mental health symptoms. Outpatient programs use a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment. They help people address the roots of mental health conditions and learn to manage their symptoms effectively.
Typical outpatient treatment program plans include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy
- Family therapy sessions
- Education about mental health conditions and resources
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies like nutrition counseling, exercise, mindfulness, and more
- Aftercare planning
An outpatient mental health treatment program can help people treat the complex physical, emotional, and behavioral components of a mental health condition. They provide valuable support and a focus on future treatment and symptom management.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
5 Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient mental health treatment programs provide effective, evidence-based treatment on a more flexible schedule. Here are some of the mot significant benefits of outpatient mental health treatment programs.
1. Personalized treatment
Outpatient mental health treatment programs provide tailored treatment. Medical and mental health professionals get to know each person as a unique individual, allowing them to create the most effective, personalized treatment plans possible.
2. Holistic care
Outpatient mental health treatment programs use a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies to provide comprehensive care. People engage in talk therapies, learn about their condition, connect with others, and create community support plans to manage their symptoms for life.
3. Community
Living with a mental health condition can be isolating. Many people live with guilt, anxiety, shame, or anger about their condition. An outpatient treatment program allows people with a mental health condition to connect with others with similar experiences. People learn from one another and feel less alone as they work to manage their mental health conditions.
4. Flexibility
Outpatient programs are flexible, allowing people to stay active in their daily lives while receiving treatment. People can receive the care they need while continuing to work, attend school, or take care of their families. This flexibility can allow more people to get the help they need to manage a mental health condition for life.
Outpatient mental health treatment is an ideal option for people who need regular support but do not require inpatient treatment. Reach out to the intake team at Agape Behavioral Health to determine if outpatient mental health treatment is right for you.
5. Affordability
Outpatient mental health treatment programs are covered by insurance and are typically lower cost than inpatient or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). This is because you’re not responsible for the costs associated with room and board, meals, 24-hour supervision, and other amenities.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Agape Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
