What Type of Program Do I Need?

Outpatient treatment is meeting privately with a therapist and/or psychiatrist either virtually or in their office. A therapist will assist you with topics like emotional wellness, substance use, concerns about eating, or relationship challenges. Your therapist will spend one or two sessions determining whether they have the right services to help you. You and the therapist will decide the frequency of the sessions. Weekly sessions are a typical starting point. Your sessions may be one-on-one or the therapist may request family members or your caregivers attend the sessions with you.

A psychiatrist will most often help you decide what medications may be best for you. Your visits with a psychiatrist may not be as frequent as visits with a therapist. You can choose whether to see a therapist or psychiatrist only, or you can see both types of providers at the same time.

Intensive outpatient programs offer frequent services and support. An IOP offers individual and group therapy sessions. They often involve 9-15 hours of treatment weekly. Sessions will be at the provider’s office or facility for care. You will remain living at your home during treatment. Your provider will offer guidance on how to get their support if you are in crisis.

Partial hospitalization programs are the most intensive type of outpatient treatment. PHP services may be offered five to seven days per week for six or more hours per day. You will live at home and visit the provider’s office or facility for care. Your treatment team will include a physician, such as a psychiatrist. They will oversee your sessions. The program is often offered as an alternative to hospitalization. If your symptoms are not able to be managed well in other programs, a PHP may be the best program for you.

Residential treatment involves temporarily living at a treatment facility. These services are appropriate when the symptoms of a behavioral health problem are severe and interfering with your ability to function in numerous areas of your life. This care may also be best when your living environment needs improvements to make recovery more likely. This level of care may also be considered when treatment in outpatient settings has not been successful. Residential treatment is recommended when a person’s condition is deteriorating to a point where hospitalization may be the next step. Treatment is six to seven days per week. Medical professionals will be available for consultation and support. Involvement of family members and support systems are vital at this level of care.

Inpatient hospitalization is the highest level of behavioral health treatment. 24-hour care is provided in a hospital setting. This level of care is appropriate when you are at risk of harm due to the onset or exacerbation of symptoms that interrupt your ability to function. This care is typically short-term and designed to prevent harm to yourself or others. Your care will include regular assessment and treatment by psychiatric and medical doctors. The doctors will assist with observation, diagnosis, and medication adjustments. Your support system will be involved in your care.