If you have recently considered entering treatment for your mental health, you may not know where to start looking when it comes to choosing a treatment facility that will fit your needs. There are numerous mental health treatment centers across the United States, and most treatment facilities offer several different program options. All of the options can seem overwhelming to an interested client.
One of the most important factors you have to consider when looking to engage in treatment is the severity of your mental health or substance abuse symptoms. Once you have an idea of what you are looking to get from treatment, alongside the intensity of your mental health distress, you will be able to find a program that will work for you.
Substance abuse and mental health treatment centers generally fall into one of two categories: inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Although both focus on recovery, each program offers unique factors to help benefit your recovery journey based on your needs.
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, requires a client to live inside the treatment facility for a specific amount of time. Inpatient treatment facilities are controlled environments where clients have access to emotional and medical support 24/7.
Inpatient treatment facilities offer:
- Comprehensive care for co-occurring mental health disorders
- Removal from triggers (people, places, and situations) that may cause a person to relapse or worsen symptoms
- Opportunity for detox
- Access to multiple therapy modalities
- Making recovery your number one priority, as you are living at the treatment facility
Inpatient treatment utilizes several therapy approaches so that clients can get a better perspective on their mental health progress. Inpatient programs are highly-structured and have both short-term and long-term options. Short-term inpatient programs may last three to six weeks, whereas long-term programs can last anywhere from three to 12 months. Once inpatient treatment is completed, it is typically followed by outpatient treatment.
Who Should Participate in Inpatient Treatment?
Most people that experience severe substance abuse and addiction are recommended to engage in inpatient treatment programs. This is because many inpatient facilities offer detox programs that help individuals manage the dangerous physical and mental experiences of withdrawal.
Inpatient programs can offer support and guidance for those committing to abstinence. They can also educate clients on the nature of mental health disorders and addiction and equip clients with resources that are essential in achieving long-term sobriety.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment allows clients to engage in treatment while living in an environment separate from the treatment facility. Outpatient programs still require intense treatment, but a significant benefit is that they allow individuals to engage in their everyday routine outside of the treatment setting.
Outpatient facilities typically offer:
- Flexibility with scheduling
- Ability to continue school
- Ability to maintain a job
- Ability to attend to children
- More affordable than inpatient care
- Opportunity to make necessary lifestyle changes more efficiently
Outpatient treatment may also involve the use of several therapies, such as individual psychotherapy, support groups, holistic therapies, and more. Clients regularly meet with mental health specialists to ensure that they receive treatment that works for them.
Who Should Participate in Outpatient Treatment?
People most typically attend outpatient treatment if their physician determines that they have a stable living environment, a job they must attend to, must continue their education, or have a less severe mental health or substance use disorder. Outpatient treatment may also be utilized when transitioning out of an inpatient facility.
What Program Is Right for Me?
Although you are now aware of what different options are available for your treatment journey, you may still not know what option is best for you. While there are benefits in understanding what each program offers, it is always in your best interest to seek out advice from a mental health professional.
Mental health professionals can evaluate and assess the levels of your mental health distress or substance abuse symptoms. Once they better understand your willingness for treatment, they can recommend treatment facilities that they think would work for you.
Deciding between inpatient and outpatient care is determined by the level of care you need as a client. Consider the benefits of each program alongside considering your personal needs. For example, if you know that you are struggling with more than one mental health disorder, you are likely to benefit more from inpatient treatment.
Another essential thing to note is that outpatient treatment does not have to be intensive. If you are looking to maintain your general wellbeing, there are less intensive outpatient options, such as attending regular psychotherapy sessions on their own. No matter what kind of care you need, help is readily available for you.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment are the two general categories of treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. Each program has something unique to offer for your recovery journey while offering valuable resources to further your personal growth and healing. By understanding the benefits of both treatment options alongside knowing your own individual needs and goals for treatment, you can determine what treatment option will be best for you. If you are still unsure of the best fit, contact a mental health professional for evaluation and guidance. Sabino Recovery is a treatment facility that is encourages healing through the use of individualized treatment. Our facility provides effective relief from trauma and addiction with the help of a safe, intimate, and nurturing treatment environment. We offer a residential treatment program designed to address all aspects of trauma, addiction, and associated mental distress. For more information, give us a call today at (844) 227-7014.
