Inpatient vs Outpatient Mental Health: Differences and Similarities
Inpatient vs Outpatient Mental Health: Choosing the Right Path to Recovery at Purpose Healing Center
Looking at Residential and Outpatient Rehab for Mental Health
Unfortunately, many Americans suffering from mental health disorders avoid medical treatment because of the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.
The truth is, that seeking mental health treatment is one of the most courageous and commendable steps one can take, and the number of people seeking relief from mental health professionals continues to climb.
One of the most significant uncertainties in mental health treatment is deciding whether to opt for therapy at an inpatient facility or lean toward outpatient care.
At Purpose Healing Center, we offer both options, as flexibility is a key component in a quality mental health facility. In a diverse world, a progressive organization must offer diverse care levels.
It’s normal to have reservations or minor stress when it comes to selecting the right form of mental health treatment. If you or someone you love has been on the fence regarding inpatient and outpatient care, our resource should help to clarify some of your most common questions or concerns.
Analyzing Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
The first and most important step in deciding between inpatient mental health care and outpatient treatment is understanding what each program entails.
What Does Inpatient Treatment for Mental Illness Offer?
Inpatient care has several distinct features that make it unique from any form of outpatient treatment.
While residential care can vary from program to program, our evidence-based approaches at Purpose Healing provides our most structured form of support following detox.
The most significant characteristics of inpatient care include:
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24-Hour Monitoring
The most significant difference between inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment is the fact that the former consists of 24/7 monitoring with a temporary stay at the facility of your choice. Clients receive either private or shared living quarters, three nutritious meals, and a full regimen of daily therapeutic activities. Programs within inpatient care include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Group therapy
- Dual-diagnosis therapy
One of the most dynamic forms of therapy offered at Purpose Healing Center is our dual-diagnosis inpatient care program. Dual diagnosis treatment and therapy treats co-occurring disorders—mental health challenges combined with the presence of substance abuse.
We receive clients with a wide variety of mental health disorders who also struggle with nearly every chemical dependency imaginable. There’s no limit or designation dictating specific diagnosis, making the program extremely versatile.
The goal is to treat the core of the mental health issue in combination with the substance use disorder, manifesting long-term recovery. In the past, many facilities treated the symptoms and not the disorder. Dual-diagnosis treatment aims to identify the driving force behind both disorders and deploy the proper therapy.
Emergency Intervention for Self-Harm
Inpatient care offers emergency treatment options for those who are at risk of harming themselves or others. For these individuals, access to a comprehensive mental health treatment program in a structured environment is crucial.
More Structured Settings
When it comes to inpatient and outpatient treatment, inpatient care provides a far more structured environment. For those who require more intensive therapy, this is important, as it provides an atmosphere conducive to a sharp focus on recovery.
A Multi-Faceted and Immersive Approach
Inpatient and outpatient can both consist of a range of different counselors or therapeutic options. However, inpatient mental health treatment almost always offers a more collaborative environment.
Clients often receive a team of specialists who work on a varying degree of dynamics during the healing process.
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What Is Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health?
An outpatient treatment program for mental health is less intensive than inpatient care. However, different levels are available that entail an increase in the participation requirements. The overall length of how long is needed for outpatient rehab varies based on client needs and goals in seeking these forms of support, and we offer various options to accommodate a wide array of needs.
Before we break down the three outpatient mental health treatment options at Purpose Healing Center, let’s take a look at the key components of outpatient care as a whole:
- Continuity of Care: Outpatient mental health treatment isn’t limited to 30, 60, or 90-day regimens. Efforts may be carried out for an extended period, leading to higher odds of long-term healing.
- Flexibility: As mentioned above, outpatient mental health care offers 3 unique care levels, providing options for those with a varying degree of commitment in their personal or professional lives.
- Less Intensive: Because outpatient care is less intensive, it’s inviting for those who may have completed residential care or those who require a more relaxed treatment schedule. This allows clients who maintain a full or part-time job or have children or loved ones they care for regularly.
So, what are the 3 care levels offered at Purpose Healing Center? Consider each of the following during your decision-making process:
Standard Outpatient Care
Standard outpatient mental health services generally entail 2 to 3 weekly sessions for an average of 2 hours each. These are usually the typical one-on-one counseling sessions with options for more focused efforts depending on your diagnosis.
Intensive Outpatient Care (IOP)
Intensive outpatient care is a step up from the standard variation, with 3 to 4 weekly sessions that average 2-3 hours each. The same therapeutic options apply but with clients afforded additional time who need slightly more intensive treatment programs.
Many of those unfamiliar with mental health IOP services might assume that outpatient care lacks more focused efforts like cognitive behavioral therapy or similar programs.
However, at Purpose Healing Center, we offer a dedicated mental health and trauma-informed IOP program, offering the same curriculum, regimen, and quality standards as an inpatient program, albeit spread over a long period.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
PHP has all the makings of inpatient programs framed within the designation of outpatient treatment programs—mostly because clients return home for the evening. Everything else, including the daily hours dedicated to therapy (8 on average), with a more robust treatment team.
PHP is ideal for those who need the intensity of inpatient but for one reason or another can’t commit to a full-time residential situation.
Choosing Between Inpatient vs Outpatient Mental Health Facilities
How do you decide which program is for you? Consider the following scenarios when deciding on your path forward:
Ideal Inpatient Therapy Criteria
- If you’re facing a medium to severe mental health disorder
- If your mental health condition has persisted for a long period
- If medical professionals recommend you attend a residential program
- Emergency intervention situations
- Dual diagnosis criteria are present
- You feel that outpatient didn’t work as well as planned
Ideal Outpatient Therapy Criteria
- Your mental or behavioral health challenges aren’t severe
- You desire a stepping stone between prior and subsequent care levels
- You have obligations outside of treatment that can’t be ignored
- You prefer a continuity of care scenario
- You have a strong support system at home
Experience a Caring Environment
At Purpose Healing Center, we offer a full range of holistic, behavioral health, dual-diagnosis, trauma-informed treatment, and other incredible options at our facility. The criteria outlined above are in no way concrete but rather meant as a soft guideline.
Each client is different and must walk his or her own path—and ultimately, the choice is yours to make. However, our professional, compassionate staff is always happy to lend a helping hand.
If you have questions regarding our healthcare professionals, medical facility, health insurance, safety concerns, or treatment plan options, we encourage you to reach out to an admissions specialist today.
480-579-3319