It’s no secret that mental health is something that should be taken seriously.
However, people often neglect their mental health when they don’t view it as a high priority. But the truth is, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
In addition, some people may not have the means to check themselves into inpatient treatment. They may have jobs they can’t miss, or children to take care of. This can prevent them from receiving the care they desperately need.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, outpatient treatment can be a great option for you.
In this article you will find an outpatient therapy definition, and the benefits it can bring to your life.
What Is Outpatient Therapy?
Outpatient treatment is a type of mental health treatment that allows you to live at home while receiving therapy and other services.
This form of treatment is typically less intensive than inpatient, therefore may be a good option if you’re struggling with mild to moderate depression or anxiety. Services offered in an outpatient setting can vary, but they might include individual or group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Outpatient behavioral health therapy can be an essential step in someone’s journey to recovery from mental illness. It can provide them with the support they need to make progress in their recovery while still being able to live at home and maintain their regular routine.
How Does Outpatient Treatment Work?
If you opt for outpatient treatment, you’ll typically meet with your therapist or case manager a few times each week.
These appointments will usually last for 60 to 90 minutes. In addition to meeting with your therapist, you might also have regular check-ins with a psychiatrist or nurse.
You might also attend group therapy sessions and participate in other activities, such as recreation therapy or art therapy.
How Long Does Outpatient Treatment Last?
The number and frequency of appointments will depend on your individual needs. If you’re struggling with more severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, you might need to meet with your therapist more often.
An outpatient program can last for as long as you need it to—some people only participate in treatment for a few weeks, while others continue attending sessions for months or even years.
Once you and your therapist feel like you’ve made progress in treatment and reached your goals, you can begin slowly tapering off of therapy.
What Are The Benefits Of An Outpatient Treatment Program?
There are many benefits to an outpatient behavioral health therapy program. Let’s touch on a few of the most important:
1. You Can Get Treatment While Maintaining Your Normal Life
One of the main benefits of outpatient treatment is that you can get the help you need while still maintaining your normal schedule. If you have a full-time job or you’re a student, you can continue going to work or school while you’re receiving treatment. This can be a great option for people who can’t take time off from their responsibilities to find treatment.
2. You’ll Be in a Safe and Supportive Environment
When you receive outpatient treatment, you’ll be in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through and who want to help you get better. This kind of encouragement can be incredibly helpful when struggling with mental illness.
3. You Can Get Individualized Care
Outpatient treatment programs offer individualized care, which means that your care will be tailored specifically to your needs. Your treatment plan will be designed based on your unique situation, so you can be sure that you’re getting the care that’s right for you.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Mental Health: Which Is Better?
While there is no clear-cut answer as to which is “better”, it all comes down to each person’s unique mental health experience. There are certainly pros and cons to both inpatient treatment and OP therapy. Let’s discuss a few.
First, inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and supervision. If you’re in the midst of a mental health crisis, this can be invaluable. There will always be someone there to help you through difficult moments, and you won’t have to worry about being left alone during a time of vulnerability.
In addition, an inpatient program can give you space away from home to heal. When you’re dealing with mental health issues, it can be difficult to cope with everyday life.
Inpatient treatment gives you the chance to step away from everything and focus on your recovery. This can be an immensely helpful experience, as it allows you to come back to everyday life feeling refreshed and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
Inpatient is a better option for those struggling with more severe mental health issues, mental health crises, or those who feel as though they can’t make progress at home.
Outpatient treatment on the other hand is often less expensive and is a wonderful option for those who need to handle their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.
Inpatient Treatment Is Not Your Only Option:
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, please know that there are resources available to help you. For example, here at Gemini Health, we strive to assist all patients with every aspect of their health, no matter what their circumstances may look like.
Our outpatient behavioral health therapy may be a good option for you or your loved one. It is important to seek help from a professional if you are struggling so that you can get on the path to recovery and improve your overall well-being. Inpatient treatment is not the end-all be-all for mental health services. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you get back to your best self.
Resources:
https://www.pchtreatment.com/inpatient-vs-outpatient-mental-health-treatment/
https://www.goodtherapy.org/difference-inpatient-outpatient.html