What Level of Mental Health Care Do You Need?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for expert medical or mental health advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, please contact a licensed treatment provider. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in case of emergencies or other urgent needs.

Mental health care does not come in a one-size-fits-all box. It is not meant to, either. Every person is unique, so are their challenges and experiences. This is why mental health care exists on a continuum. Finding the right level of mental health care for yourself becomes the bridge between healing and cycling back to your old patterns. In this article, we will explore the different levels of mental health care and what can be the right fit for your needs and goals.

Here is a simple overview of the different levels of mental health care:

Weekly outpatient therapy is typically the beginning point - where most start off for their mental health and co-occurring substance use concerns (if any).

You receive 1-2 sessions per week, which can range anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour. It enables you to explore your inner struggles in safe, confidential settings while also giving you practical tools to cope with your challenges in a productive manner.

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the next level of mental health care that comes after weekly outpatient therapy. It can also be a step-down level of mental health care when a person is transitioning from higher levels of care to daily life.

An IOP runs for 9-15 hours per week, with morning, afternoon, and evening treatment sessions that can be scheduled around your daily routine. Alongside therapy, you will also receive medication management, coping and life skills training, relapse prevention, community building, aftercare, and other case management services.

More consistent care in your life means you can apply what you learn in real-life settings with greater consistency and ease.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the highest level of outpatient mental health care. It can also be a step-down level of mental health care from residential or inpatient programs.

A PHP offers the same services as an IOP, but at a higher intensity. PHP typically involves 6 hours of structured treatment per day, for 5 days per week. It is ideal for more severe mental health concerns, especially when you do not require hospitalization. As it is of greater intensity than IOP, it may require more careful time commitment, too.

Beyond outpatient levels of mental health care, we have residential and inpatient programs that have you living in a residential or hospital facility, respectively, to provide 24/7 supervision.

They are meant to provide constant care and monitor safety and stability risks.

While they provide similar services as IOPs and PHPs, they isolate you from your triggers and stressors so that you can slow down, reset, and recover in a more protected setting.

When it comes to mental health treatment levels - know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer for everyone. It depends on your symptoms, experiences, needs, and goals.

While only a licensed mental health practitioner can conduct a clinical assessment and recommend the right level of care for you, here are some factors to consider that can point you toward the right direction:

• If day-to-day feels manageable but you need that bit of external support, weekly therapy may be enough right now.
• If you are struggling and need more consistent care, even while you are still functioning, then an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may provide the level of structure you need.
• If daily life feels difficult to manage and you need more intensive care without the need for hospitalization, then a partial hospitalization program (PHP) can be the best option.
• If there are safety and stability concerns involved, then a higher level of care, like residential or inpatient care, can be recommended.

When you reach out to licensed and qualified clinicians regarding the level of care you need for your mental health concerns, they will conduct clinical assessments or a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for more complex conditions to confirm:

• Your symptoms and how they impact your daily life and functioning
• How manageable do things feel right now for you
• How much care and structure do you need to move toward healing and personal growth
• Whether the structure can help you at this stage of your recovery.

If you have started exploring the question, “What level of mental health care do I need?”, you do not have to navigate this on your own.

When you reach out for the care you need and deserve at the NuView Treatment Center, licensed and experienced mental health specialists will sit with you to understand your story, experiences, symptoms, needs, and goals to offer clarity on what your next steps can be and what level of mental health care you need for a personalized, empowering healing journey.