What Is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment’s Focus?

The following conditions are the focus of outpatient mental health therapy:

• Disorders related to substance misuse (including detox and treatment)

• Mental health conditions (including borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and more)
• Co-occurring disorders (dual disorders or multiple problems diagnosed)
• Outpatient mental health treatment options for anxiety disorders may be an excellent alternative for people who have just gone through a traumatic or stressful incident. Examples of such experiences include divorces, accidents, and other difficult social situations.

What Are the Outpatient Programs vs. Inpatient Programs?

There are several significant differences between outpatient and inpatient mental health treatment.

Hospital Admission

As the name suggests, inpatient therapy programs require extended hospitalization (at least overnight), whereas outpatient therapy programs might not. When a patient is an inpatient, they share a residential facility with other people and have 24-hour access to healthcare. An outpatient program enrollee arrives for their appointment and then leaves for their home.

The Condition’s Seriousness

Outpatient programs could be more appropriate for people who can manage their daily lives without experiencing severe disturbances to their routine. On the other hand, inpatient programs are intended for people who find it difficult to live independently and whose disease endangers or seriously impacts their everyday lives (for instance, a residential stay due to a mental health crisis or outpatient mental health treatment for substance abuse recovery).

Effect on Day-to-Day Existence

Patients undergoing inpatient mental health treatment must temporarily suspend their daily obligations, such as employment, education, or family commitments, to fully concentrate on their recovery safely and efficiently. Outpatient mental health treatment for teens and adolescents can continue their everyday activities while receiving therapy. Outpatient mental health care offers more flexibility and less disruption to their lives while still prioritizing rehabilitation.

Costs

In general, outpatient programs are less expensive than inpatient treatments. The reason for the difference is typically that inpatient programs necessitate a longer hospital stay.

How Does Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Work?

An extensive evaluation is conducted at the start of outpatient treatment to determine the patient’s needs, symptoms, and objectives. Based on this, a mental health professional develops a customized treatment plan that specifies the services that should be used, the frequency of sessions, and the types of therapy that should be employed. 

• Usually lasting 45 to 60 minutes, sessions can be held at clinics, private offices, hospitals, or via telehealth.
• The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s needs. Some people go once a week, some several times a week, and others go fewer times during maintenance. 
• Clients put what they learn into practice between sessions by engaging in mindfulness or journaling exercises. 
• We modify treatment regimens as necessary and routinely assess progress. Many people eventually cut back on their sessions or switch to sporadic check-ins.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?

There are several advantages to choosing outpatient therapy. They consist of

Continuity 

You have more control over your life when you can continue your daily activities with little interruption with the help of mental health outpatient services, as was previously discussed.

Personal Space

It’s also possible that outpatient treatment offers greater discretion than inpatient treatment.

Economic Efficiency

Even though outpatient therapy for mental health issues can still be expensive, it is usually less expensive than inpatient therapy. However, at the same time, you might be able to discover insurance that covers both options, which would relieve your financial load.

Be Aware of Your Situation

You will probably discuss a range of mental health issues in outpatient therapy, such as the cause of distress, the severity of the problem, and coping strategies. Such conversations may provide you with additional knowledge about your illness, including how to proceed with your recovery.

Other Choices

There is no universally applicable approach to mental health. With outpatient psychiatric treatment, you have many choices, such as the type of treatment (IOP vs. PHP), the setting (virtual vs. in-person), and the therapy style (individual vs. group vs. family). Additionally, you have the freedom to select the mental health practitioner you wish to see, which allows you to find the ideal fit.

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Therapy?

Clients in outpatient therapy can determine the frequency and treatment objectives according to their needs and priorities, as well as plan appointments according to their availability. Anyone can receive treatment and mental health care through outpatient therapy, which permits patients to lead regular lives between sessions. 

Many individuals can still work or attend school while receiving the benefits of outpatient mental health treatment for depression. Due to the wide variety of outpatient therapy options available, clients can locate a therapist that suits their unique requirements and preferences. Additionally, clients in remote places can conduct outpatient therapy using telemedicine, eliminating the need for them to travel for services.

Types of Therapy Offered in Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Various forms of outpatient therapy might be used, depending on the client’s needs. It is possible to offer family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy in an outpatient setting. Sessions may be held weekly, twice a week, every other week, or monthly, contingent on the needs and therapeutic success of each client. Depending on their training background and personal style, therapists who provide outpatient services can practice from a wide range of theoretical approaches. In an outpatient context, the majority of orientations taught in clinical and counseling programs can be used, such as

Adlerian therapy: Short-term treatment that focuses on goal-setting and attainment, together with mental health psychoeducation.

Behavioral therapy: The goal of behavioral therapy is to modify problematic behaviors by rewarding desired ones.

Cognitive therapy: This type of treatment, which is usually brief, examines how thoughts impact emotions and actions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy: A type of treatment that helps people see the link between unhelpful or maladaptive ideas, feelings, and behaviors and change these patterns for the better.

Humanistic therapy: An approach to mental health known as humanistic therapy assists patients in discovering their “true selves” and figuring out how to live their most genuine lives by their personal principles.

Psychoanalysis: A long-term talk therapy method called psychoanalysis entails examining how one’s unconscious mind influences feelings, ideas, and actions.

Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a long-term therapeutic method that uses talk therapy to deeply explore and comprehend feelings and thoughts.

Strengths-based therapy: A therapeutic strategy that highlights a client’s preexisting strengths and assists them in recognizing and utilizing them in their daily lives is known as strengths-based therapy.

What Are Outpatient Mental Health Services?

The types of mental health outpatient programs and the disorders experienced are two of the many criteria that determine the availability of outpatient therapy services. They might consist of:

• Individual and Group Therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are examples of evidence-based family therapy.

• Interviewing Influential Individuals

The right therapy and treatment plans will be determined by a medical practitioner based on your condition.

• A cozy and welcoming setting where you may share
• Guidance on coping strategies, interpersonal skills, crisis and relapse prevention, and emotion control.
• A peer-to-peer opportunity to help you understand your symptoms
• A team that is trauma-informed
• Evaluation and management of medications

Conclusion

To live a full and fulfilling life, your mental health is essential. We can assist you with managing the symptoms of anxiety or mental illness, learning coping mechanisms, and improving your mental well-being. Our speciality at Epic Health Partners is treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, depression, and more. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at (434) 835-4601 or (434) 483-7074.