Clinically Reviewed by Linda Whiteside, LPCC

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Peterson, MD

Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health

Table of Contents

Outpatient treatment for mental health issues is when a person goes to a treatment center for therapy or counseling, but they don’t stay overnight. They can live at home and still do their daily responsibilities like work or school. This is different from an inpatient program, where a person stays at the treatment center at all hours.

Benefits of outpatient treatment

Outpatient mental health services are great because they give people the help they need while allowing them to keep up with their regular life. They can keep doing their job, going to school, and living at home. This makes outpatient care a good choice for a lot of people dealing with mental health disorders.

Types of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Programs

There are a few different types of outpatient treatment programs. Each one is designed to help different people with different needs.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive IOP is a bit more involved. People who choose this option spend more time at the treatment center each week. They might go every day for a few hours. This program is good for people who need more support and structure but still want to live at home.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is a mix between inpatient and outpatient treatment. People in this program spend the day at the treatment center but go home at night. This is for people who need more help than what the IOP offers but don’t need to stay overnight at the center.

Individual Therapy

This is one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. It’s a chance for people to talk about their feelings and thoughts, learn new coping skills, and work on their mental health issues.

Group Therapy

In group therapy, people with similar struggles meet together with a therapist. They all share their experiences and learn from each other. This can help build a strong support system.

Benefits of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Outpatient mental health treatment offers several benefits. It provides care for individuals with mental illness without the need for overnight stays like inpatient programs. It offers a variety of treatment options in a clinical setting, allowing patients to receive treatment while still maintaining their everyday life and responsibilities. This flexibility can be especially helpful for individuals with personality disorders who require more structure in their treatment.

Outpatient services provide a supportive environment where patients can learn coping skills and receive the necessary care for their mental health needs. Here are some benefits of attending an Outpatient treatment for mental health:

  • Flexibility and convenience: Since you don’t have to stay at the treatment center, you can schedule your therapy sessions when it works best for you. This makes it easier to fit treatment into your everyday life.
  • Less disruption to daily life: With outpatient care, you can still do your daily responsibilities. You don’t have to take time off work or school, which means less disruption to your life.
  • Continuity of care: You’ll see the same mental health professionals each time you go to therapy. They’ll get to know you and your needs, and they can adjust your treatment plan as needed.
  • Lower cost compared to inpatient treatment: In general, outpatient treatment for mental health costs less than inpatient care because you’re not paying for room and board.

Why Choose Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a good choice for many people. It works well for those with mild to moderate mental health conditions who need extra support. It’s also a good option if you have other disorders at the same time, like a substance use disorder. And, if you prefer a less restrictive treatment environment where you can keep doing your daily tasks, outpatient treatment might be the best course for you.

Take the first step towards healing and contact us today at (323) 307-7997 or send us a message from our contact page to schedule your friendly and personalized consultation.

How Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Works

These are the steps involved and their benefits in supporting individuals on their journey toward improved mental well-being:

Initial assessment and treatment planning

Outpatient treatment starts with an initial assessment. This is where the mental health professionals figure out what your needs are. They’ll use this information to make a treatment plan. This might include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and more.

Therapy sessions and treatment modalities

You’ll work on managing your symptoms and building coping skills during therapy sessions. You might also work on improving your relationships and your home environment.

Medication management and monitoring

If you need medication, the professionals will help you manage it and make sure it’s working for you.

Family involvement and support

Family can also be involved in your outpatient care and treatment. This might look like family therapy sessions or just keeping your family in the loop about your progress. This can help build a strong support system at home.

Collaborative care approach

Outpatient treatment often uses a collaborative care approach. This means that different professionals, like doctors, therapists, and nurses, all work together to help you. They communicate with each other to make sure everyone is on the same page about your treatment.

Pros and Cons of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Like anything, outpatient treatment has its ups and downs. On the positive side, it’s flexible and convenient and lets you keep up with your daily life. It’s also usually cheaper than inpatient treatment.

However, an outpatient treatment program might not be enough for some people. If you have a severe mental illness or if you’re dealing with suicidal thoughts, you might need the extra support and structure of an inpatient program. And outpatient treatment requires you to be motivated and committed to your recovery. You have to make an effort to go to your appointments and do the work.

Experience Personalized Outpatient Treatment at NuView Treatment Center

Ready to take the next step in your mental health journey? NuView Treatment Center is here to support you. Our specialized outpatient treatment programs offer flexibility, convenience, and evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. Take control of your mental well-being and call us today at (323) 307-7997, or send us a message from our contact page to schedule your friendly and personalized consultation. Your path to healing starts here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is where you live. In outpatient treatment, you live at home and go to the treatment center for therapy or counseling. In inpatient treatment, you stay at the treatment center, often a residential facility, 24/7.
This depends on the program and your needs. It might be once a week, or it might be every day. The goal is to provide the right amount of support without overwhelming you.
It can be, but it depends on the person. Some people with severe conditions do well in outpatient treatment, especially if they have a strong support system at home. But others might need the more intense support of an inpatient program.
Yes, that's one of the benefits of outpatient treatment. You can keep working, attending school and doing regular activities.
It's important to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you understand your options and decide what's best for you. You might also want to consider things like the cost, the location, and the types of treatment offered.
Many insurance plans do cover outpatient treatment, but it depends on your specific plan. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what they cover.
Yes, many outpatient programs offer both. They understand that medication can be a helpful part of treatment for many people.
Family members can provide support and understanding. They can also learn more about mental health and how to help you. Family involvement can be a big part of successful recovery.
This depends on the person and their needs. It might be a few weeks, or it might be several months. The goal is to provide treatment for as long as it's helpful.
Many outpatient programs have a hotline you can call if you need help when the office is closed. You can also call a crisis hotline or go to the emergency room if it's an emergency.

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Author
Written By: Linda Whiteside
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been providing mental health services for over 10 years.

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Peterson
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Went to medical school at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.

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