For someone struggling to manage their mental health, psychiatric care is a crucial tool. Many people are able to live full, healthy lives while living with a mental health condition, but there are also times when they might need extra help. In some cases, residential treatment might be the right answer, but in others, outpatient treatment works better and allows the individual to remain available for other commitments. What is psychiatric care like in an outpatient setting? Who is a good candidate for outpatient psychiatric care? Learning more about these and other questions related to the various treatment settings for mental health can help you make informed choices for yourself or your loved one as you look for an outpatient treatment center in Delaware.
What Is Psychiatric Care and Who Should Seek It?
Psychiatric care is meant to help people who are struggling with their mental or behavioral health. In some cases, psychiatric care can mean meeting with a doctor or other medical provider in order to manage psychiatric medications. Many people also attend counseling or therapy to help them cope with mental health issues. Some people also attend support groups or other informal meetings that encourage people with mental health conditions to support one another.
When someone is having more intense difficulties with their mental or behavioral health, they may need to receive more intensive treatment. In some situations, this may mean that they need to be treated in a residential setting where they can be monitored for their safety, but in other situations, it may be appropriate to treat the person in a less restrictive, outpatient setting.
What Are the Different Types of Outpatient Psychiatric Treatment Programs?
There are three main types of outpatient psychiatric care available. What level of care a person will need is determined by their individual circumstances.
Outpatient Care at a Clinic
At an outpatient clinic, clients will:
- Attend counseling and therapies on a frequent basis
- Check in with medical providers to manage medications
- Participate in group therapy
- Attend the clinic on a schedule that works around work, school, or other obligations
- Receive treatment on an ongoing basis
Intensive Outpatient Program
In an intensive outpatient program (sometimes abbreviated as “IOP”), clients will:
- Attend the program for 3-4 hours, several days a week
- Participate in counseling, therapies, and group sessions
- Check in with providers regarding medications
- Attend on a stricter schedule than a normal outpatient clinic
- Receive treatment for a finite period, usually weeks or months
Partial Hospitalization Program
These programs, sometimes abbreviated to “PHPs,” are the most intensive type of outpatient psychiatric program. Clients will:
- Attend the program for several hours each day, usually 5 days a week
- Participate in counseling, therapies, and groups
- Meet frequently with medical providers about medication management
- The strictest of all the outpatient programs as far as attendance
- Receive treatment for a period of weeks or months
Who Is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Psychiatric Care?
Some of the people who could benefit from outpatient treatment are:
- People who have obligations that don’t allow them to attend a residential program
- Those who are well-supported at home
- Clients whose symptoms are moderate or who need a little help stabilizing
- Individuals who are transitioning out of a residential program but still need support
Lotus Recovery Centers Can Help with Outpatient Psychiatric Care
At Lotus Recovery Centers, we are committed to our clients’ recovery journey. We firmly believe that cost should never stand in the way of anyone receiving the treatment they need, so we are proud to serve our clients who have Medicaid or other public insurance options. Reach out to our caring and knowledgeable staff today at 833.922.1615 and let us tell you how we can help.
