There are many different types of mental health care that a person can receive, including outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment. Which type of support plan is best for you will depend on your unique needs, the severity of your mental health condition, and what you are looking to get out of treatment. The following information will help you learn more about both treatment options so you can decide which would work best with your lifestyle and needs.
What is Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a form of treatment where patients stay at a facility offering 24-hour care. This level of treatment involves living on-site at the facility for a period of time and having access to trained medical staff 24 hours per day. Many people choose an inpatient program for severe depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
This type of care helps patients by stabilizing their moods and controlling negative thoughts with around-the-clock care. The inpatient programs are not normally long-term and last no longer than a week. However, when a patient has a more severe case, this time frame will be extended. This is if the staff believes the patient is a danger to themselves or the people around them.
What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment
During inpatient treatment, patients undergo comprehensive treatment solutions. Individual therapy and counseling sessions help patients identify the underlying causes of their disorder. This also gives the therapists and staff a chance to come up with the best recovery process to help you live a healthy lifestyle. These sessions will also help them cope with life stresses and emotions in healthy ways.
In addition to getting treatment, patients will also receive social support and guidance from mental health specialists. This helps them stay motivated and focused on their recovery goals while learning to eliminate toxic habits, apathetic behavior, and destructive thoughts.
What Is The Next Step After Inpatient Treatment?
After inpatient treatment, patients leave the facility and begin to integrate back into their community. Continuing the work of recovery following treatment is not an easy task. Treatment centers offer excellent starting points, however, it is now up to the patient to stay committed to recovery. This means finding support groups, therapy, and any other resources needed to help set them up for success.
What is Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a more flexible program that only requires you to visit a facility or travel to a counselor’s office once per week. It offers patients with structured care and support, however, it does not require overnight stays. Unlike inpatient treatment, the patient returns home and to everyday life following treatment and therapy.
The level of outpatient care depends on the severity of your mental health condition and the disorder you have. The goal of outpatient care is to get patients back in control of their lives without daily physical support. Outpatient treatment is a great transition tool for the patients who are coming out of inpatient treatment.
What To Expect During Outpatient Treatment
During outpatient treatment, patients experience structured sessions with a mental health counselor to help keep track of their progress and maintain motivation. Treatment solutions do not the same for each patient and this depends on the needs and conditions of the patient. Some common solutions include group therapy, medication management, or family counseling.
Each patient is first evaluated by a mental health professional. This is to understand what treatment needs to be completed in order to assist in the recovery process. Patients are normally expected to attend six hours of treatment per day. However, outpatient treatment is conveniently scheduled around work or family commitments and schedules.
What Is The Next Step After Onpatient Treatment?
It is important that during outpatient treatment the patient begins forming a structured daily routine. This will help when finishing treatment to create stability and keep stress levels low. It is also crucial that after leaving outpatient treatment the patient strictly follows any daily prescribed medication dosage and attends all scheduled meetings.
Outpatient treatment requires regular contact with the designated care providers to help the patient achieve optimal mental health.
What’s the Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Care?
The main difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is the fact that with one treatment you stay there and the other you do not. Inpatient care requires patients to stay at a medical facility for at least one week. This is so that they can be monitored and receive continuous care from nurses, doctors, therapists, and other staff members.
The goal of outpatient care is to get patients back in control of their lives. In order to achieve this, patients attend treatment sessions for a few hours each day, are given the tools to create a daily routine, and live life with normalcy and stability. It is recommended for inpatient treatments to be followed by outpatient treatment to create the best transition.
Are You In Need of Treatment?
If you or a loved one are suffering from mental illness and are looking for treatment options look no further. Harm Reduction Center based in South Florida offers all forms of care and treatment for mental health and addiction. Whether inpatient or outpatient is the best option for you, Harm Reduction Center offers both. They know that treatment is not a one-size-fits-all and will help to find the perfect form of treatment for you.
