Outpatient treatment is a type of mental health care provided to individuals who do not require inpatient hospitalization. While it isn’t exactly a type of therapy, it’s a general term that covers ongoing treatment outside of a hospital. It’s less disruptive to daily life as inpatient care, as patients can continue working, going to school, and caring for their families while also being treated. It may include individual, group, or family therapy, or a combination of those, as well as any medication management.
At A Body and Mind Health Services, we provide outpatient therapy, peer support, community-based rehabilitation services, family support, and more. All of these may be a part of an individualized outpatient treatment plan.
Is Outpatient Therapy Right for Me?
If you are considering counseling services, mental health support, and/or holistic treatment for any kind of mental health treatment, outpatient therapy is likely a good choice for you. Typically, beginning outpatient treatment involves a diagnostic assessment, an intake appointment, and recommendations for the kind of modality and treatment plan that will work best for your needs. This ensures you have different types of support in place as you begin treatment.
In addition to therapy, medication management is another component of outpatient mental health care. This involves working with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication for an individual’s needs, then monitoring the individual’s response to the medication and making any necessary adjustments. Not all patients require medication during outpatient therapy, but it’s a good idea to work with a provider who can make an assessment.
While outpatient therapy can be effective for most people, it may not be suitable for everyone. In some cases, individuals may require a higher level of care or a more intensive treatment approach. For example, individuals who are in crisis or have severe mental health conditions may require inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment to address those issues, stabilize the patient, and keep them safe.
Why Outpatient?
One of the major advantages of outpatient therapy is that it allows individuals to receive treatment while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. This can be especially beneficial for people with jobs or families to care for, as it allows them to continue to meet these obligations while receiving treatment. Additionally, because individuals are able to return home at the end of each day, they are able to receive support from their loved ones, which can be very beneficial in the treatment process. Outpatient therapy is tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Different individuals may require different types of treatment, and an outpatient setting allows for flexibility in terms of treatment options.
Outpatient therapy tends to be far more cost-effective than inpatient care. The cost of inpatient care can quickly add up, especially if an individual requires a prolonged stay. In contrast, the cost of outpatient therapy is typically much lower, as individuals are only receiving treatment for up to a few hours each week. This can make it more accessible to people who may not have the financial resources to pay for inpatient care.
People who are in crisis, for instance, may need a more intensive treatment that is only possible in an inpatient setting. Outpatient therapy is not quite enough for some severe mental health issues, drug abuse recovery, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis now, go to a hospital instead of waiting to begin outpatient therapy.
Types of Therapy
The foundation of outpatient treatment is therapy. Here’s a look at some of the types of therapy you might encounter.
Individual therapy helps you develop a better understanding of ourself and your issues. Most therapies are aimed at helping you develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills. There are many different types of individual therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and many more. In outpatient treatment, you’ll work with your therapist to find the right approach for you.
Group therapy, on the other hand, involves several individuals meeting together with a therapist. Group therapy can provide a sense of community support for individuals, as well as a sense of validation and understanding. This type of therapy can be particularly useful for individuals who are struggling with particular issues (such as grief, addiction, etc.), as they can gain insights from others who are going through similar experiences. Group therapy isn’t as common as individual therapy, but it can be a useful tool for some individuals–especially in addition to your individual therapy.
While your treatment plan won’t necessarily call for family therapy, there are a variety of reasons your family might attend joint therapy sessions. This type of therapy can be useful when a family member is struggling with a mental health condition, as it can help the whole family understand and support the individual. Family therapy aims to improve communication and relationships, as well as resolve conflict within the family.
It is always important to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for an individual. For more information about outpatient therapy, reach out to A Body & Mind.