There is an endless and overwhelming amount of information on the internet about mental health treatment options. Many people have no idea where to begin or what type of care they or their loved ones may need. There is common terminology important for those seeking treatment and their loved ones to understand when reaching out for help.
In order to figure out what type of care may be the best fit, it is helpful to obtain a mental health or a biopsychosocial assessment by a therapist. However, if an individual is having immediate safety issues, from suicidality, homocidality, or self-injury, they receive immediate attention by calling 911, 211, or going to a local emergency room.
The following levels of care are listed in order of the lowest to the highest:
Outpatient Services
This is the lowest level of care and often the most desirable for those who want to seek out discreet support. Outpatient care may involve receiving treatment from a therapist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or others who may be part of a clinic. They may or may not be in-network with insurance providers. Some outpatient clinics may also provide weekly group therapy, which can lead to a comprehensive treatment plan.
Ideally, an outpatient provider is able to conduct a LOCUS mental health level of care determination and biopsychosocial assessment to determine the best treatment plan for a client. Contacting your health insurance company for a list of mental health providers can be an option. Additionally, Psychology Today has a comprehensive outpatient therapist directory.
Mental Health Self-Help Groups
These groups are free and open to the public. Most offer virtual options and can provide a social support community for individuals and even family members with mental health conditions.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOPs are usually held three hours per day, three days per week. Some IOP programs are in the evening, allowing for those being treated to maintain part-time or full-time work. These programs typically involve group therapy, along with individual therapy, case management, and medication management. These programs can last for various lengths of time (most often, about six to eight weeks), as individuals are able to engage in work, volunteering, or academics simultaneously. They are both insurance-based and private-pay.
Partial Hospitalization Program (Day Treatment)
These programs are often based in clinics or hospitals and allow an individual to attend treatment throughout the day while living at home. Clients generally need to take time off from work or are not currently working in order to attend, as they run five hours per day, five days a week.
These programs involve group therapy, along with individual therapy, case management, and medication management (if needed). Individuals attend partial programs for generally about six to eight weeks, depending on the program, their insurance, and their ability to self-pay. The intention is to then step individuals down to an outpatient treatment plan upon discharge from the program. If an individual is continuing to struggle with mental health stability and acute safety issues in a partial program, then this may indicate that they need a higher level of care, such as residential or inpatient treatment.
Residential Treatment
All residential treatment programs require that clients live at the program during treatment, but it is not a locked facility. There are many types of programs and locations to choose from in terms of this type of care. These programs include group therapy much of the day, individual therapy sessions, and medication management (if needed). Some programs offer alternative forms of treatment, such as equine therapy, wilderness excursions, acupuncture, yoga, expressive therapy, and many others. Some programs do take insurance, but some are private. The length of stay for clients is typically 30 days minimum, and it is crucial that comprehensive aftercare planning is established for support in acclimating back to the patient’s home environment.
Inpatient Treatment
This is the highest level of care. Individuals are placed in a locked unit, usually in a hospital setting. This is a temporary stabilization program that is intended to support a client in acute medication and treatment interventions, and then refer them to appropriate lower levels of care. Clients are held in these types of programs until they are physically and psychologically stabilized. The length of stay is based on the medical necessity and insurance coverage.
The most important step is to reach out for help from mental health or medical professionals in order to receive support in navigating this process.
To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
