When life gets hard, it’s easy to turn inward rather than asking for help. Some people don’t feel comfortable admitting that they are struggling, while others may not realize that there is even a problem. However, when daily tasks become too difficult or when you just aren’t feeling like yourself, reaching out is essential. Friends and family can help, but professionals can be the best solution. That’s where Davis Behavioral Health comes in to play.
Davis Behavioral Health’s outpatient mental health services are designed to provide support and healing when things are tough. We offer a wide range of mental health outpatient programs for clients of all ages and all walks of life. Our expert providers offer compassionate support through classes, therapy and case management to help reduce stress and get mental health symptoms under control. Are you wondering if outpatient mental health services are right for you or your loved one? Find out what these services are, how they can benefit you and what Davis Behavioral Health has to offer.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Mental Health
You’ve likely heard of mental health treatment in a general sense, but are you confused about the terms “inpatient” and “outpatient?” The main difference between the two is whether or not the treatment program requires the client to stay overnight in a facility. Inpatient mental health treatment requires that clients receive treatment full time in a facility, spending as little as one night and as many as several weeks without returning home. This is often reserved for clients with severe mental health conditions or addictions that require 24-hour care.
Outpatient mental health treatment, on the other hand, provides many of the same treatment options but with the ability to stay at home between treatment appointments. Outpatient mental health facilities operate more like a medical clinic, with clients coming in at scheduled times for their treatments or classes. This works well for most clients because it gives them the ability to continue with their day-to-day lives while still receiving the mental health treatment necessary to improve their mental well-being.
How Does Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Work?
When you are struggling with your mental health, outpatient treatment provides support to get you through the hardest times and skills to help you cope with stressors and symptoms. Clients typically meet with providers throughout the day for varying types of therapy and treatment and return home in the evenings to their homes and families. Outpatient care can be more flexible than inpatient treatment, giving clients the ability to fit treatment into their schedules. The specific outpatient treatment that a client will participate in will depend on that person’s diagnosis and personalized needs.
While the therapists that provide outpatient treatment often use different techniques and types of therapy, they often follow a similar approach. Because outpatient treatment involves sessions or appointments with time away from the facility between, therapists often assign “homework” for clients to work on in real-life scenarios. That homework may involve writing down negative thought patterns, tracking emotions, trying mindfulness exercises or practicing communication skills.
What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Clients who have a strong support system and are able to progress in their treatment without the need for inpatient therapy can benefit greatly from outpatient mental health treatment. Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of outpatient therapy, but there are others that clients can utilize as well:
- Continue day-to-day responsibilities, such as childcare and work
- Stay connected to their support systems at home
- Reduce the cost of treatment by staying at home rather than in a facility
- Transition more easily from inpatient treatment to everyday life
- Practice coping skills in a real-world environment
In addition, there are many therapists that participate in outpatient therapy options, giving clients the ability to choose a provider that meets their individual needs. In general, outpatient treatment can significantly reduce a client’s risk of a psychiatric hospital stay or inpatient facility services. Research has found that outpatient treatment is effective in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it is especially helpful in helping clients who have been in inpatient treatment transition back to everyday life.
What Are Outpatient Mental Health Services?
The term “outpatient mental health treatment” can refer to a variety of therapy types, which can be individual therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysts, mindfulness courses, skills training or medication-assisted treatment. The type of outpatient services that you require will depend on your specific needs. For example, a client dealing with depression or anxiety may benefit from individual therapy scheduled with a provider that fits in to that client’s everyday routine.
Group therapy is a good outpatient treatment option for those looking to find connections with others going through similar or the same things as you. Davis Behavioral Health offers several different groups that are specific to the needs of the members, from suicide survivors to grief therapy. Talking with other clients can be a good way to make connections and get more support outside of the home and in addition to providers.
Some of the most common types of outpatient mental health services include the following:
- Therapy for anxiety or depression
- Psychotherapy
- Individual or group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment for those with chemical dependency
- Stress management
- Couples therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavioral therapy
Because everyone is different and treatment programs are personalized to clients’ unique needs, the amount of therapy needed each week will vary, from a few hours per week to several hours per day.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Mental Health?
An intensive outpatient mental health program can be beneficial for those who don’t require inpatient treatment but need a bit more than is offered through outpatient services. While typical outpatient treatment involves being in therapy once or twice a week for a couple of hours at a time, intensive outpatient treatment may involve several hours of treatment every day, most days of the week. It is often less comprehensive than inpatient treatment, in that clients do not stay overnight in a facility, but benefit from increased daily support. Intensive outpatient mental health treatment is especially beneficial for those dealing with substance abuse, multiple diagnoses or eating disorders.
How Do You Know If You Need Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Because mental health conditions can range in severity, determining if outpatient treatment is right for you can depend on several factors. In general, those who have the following signs or symptoms should look into outpatient therapy to improve mental health:
- Extreme mood changes
- Feeling down or sad most of the time
- Low energy
- Increased and excessive anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits
- Excessive anger
- Suicidal thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the above signs, please reach out for help. Outpatient services may be just what you need to start feeling like yourself again.
Contact Davis Behavioral Health
If life feels extra hard lately, you don’t have to suffer through. Please contact Davis Behavioral Health to find out more about our outpatient mental health services. Our experienced and trained providers can help you find relief from the stress, sadness or anxiety that you’re experiencing. We have a range of treatment options available, and we’ll work with you to find the treatment plan that works for you.
