When it comes to mental health treatment, there are multiple effective options. Outpatient mental health treatment can be impactful for people who are stable enough to live at home but still require a structured routine with consistent therapy and accountability. With guidance from a team of professionals, those in need of help can explore their current state and determine if outpatient mental health treatment is the right path to recovery.
What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Outpatient mental health treatment involves a schedule of therapy and clinical oversight without requiring patients to stay at a facility overnight. Instead, patients go home after completing therapy. This structure allows them to maintain responsibilities, including work, school, and family life.
There are multiple levels of outpatient behavioral health care. Depending on the level of care needed, patients can expect to attend treatment anywhere from 3 to 6 hours per day, multiple days per week. Care can involve individual therapy, group therapy, and educational sessions. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Types of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Among outpatient mental health treatment options, Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) are the most common. The primary difference between PHP and IOP is the number of treatment options required each week.
PHP for Mental Health
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) is the highest level of outpatient care. This means it requires the most hours in therapy per week for an outpatient program. On average, patients will spend 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week in treatment. While patients are not staying at the facility and can maintain some daily responsibilities, treatment is still the top priority.
During treatment hours, patients will participate in individual and group therapy sessions to gain the skills necessary to maintain stability in their day-to-day lives. It can be a great option for those stepping down from inpatient care or requiring a greater clinical oversight.
IOP for Mental Health
An intensive outpatient treatment program is a lower level of outpatient care. IOP typically requires 3-hour sessions of therapy, 3 days a week. This gives patients a high level of flexibility to be able to handle responsibilities outside of treatment.
Intensive outpatient is best for individuals who are stable and do not require much clinical oversight. While in treatment, they will take part in individual counseling, group therapy, and educational workshops to maintain and further the progress they have made.
Which Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Program is Right for Me?
Determining the best outpatient treatment program for mental health requires professional guidance. When a person makes the brave decision to get help, they’ll undergo a series of evaluations to understand the severity of their diagnosis, the realities of their home life, and the level of support they have at home.
The patient and their loved ones should assess a facility and its programs thoroughly. Questions should include:
- Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits?
- What evidence-based therapies are offered?
- Is the facility licensed and accredited?
- How is family involvement incorporated?
- What insurance plans are accepted?
- Is there an alumni or aftercare program?
Knowing when it’s time to get help is a difficult yet necessary first step. Partnering with a trusted, licensed behavioral health provider helps ensure care is appropriate, supportive, and aligned with long-term wellness goals.
Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Could Be the Path to a Life You Love
You deserve support and care that helps you build a meaningful, fulfilling life. While the healing process takes time, it can lead to lasting growth and stability. If you’re interested in learning more about outpatient mental health care in North Palm Beach, our team at Milton Recovery Centers is here to help. We’ll walk you through our treatment programs and how we guide people, just like you, to rediscover purpose and peace.
