Different Levels of Adult Mental Health Services
Mental health services can help you manage your symptoms and recover from mental illness. This includes therapy, medication and support groups.
Assertive Community Treatment Teams is a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychiatrists, social workers, nurses and certified peer support. They assist people suffering from chronic and severe mental illnesses stay in their homes instead of in hospitals.
Treatment Options
Adults with mental health problems are treated at different levels. The right level of treatment can be crucial to a person’s recovery.
A combination of treatment strategies can be most efficient. For instance the weekly therapy session may be too little to treat a crisis, but a person in a mental health crisis might benefit from a residential psychiatric treatment program. A person who is in a minor slump could get much out of self-help or group support, but an issue that is more serious will likely require one-on one time with an accredited therapist.
The first step in seeking help for mental illness is usually to seek crisis intervention services. These help to de-escalate the situation and get people in contact with a professional therapist to receive counseling and advice. These services are available at a hospital or emergency room, or by telephone for those living far from a treatment center.
The intermediate levels of treatment consist of partial hospitalization (also called day treatment) and intensive treatment outpatient and regular sessions of individual therapy. Psychiatric residential treatment programs provide an in-house environment where patients can take a break from their routine and focus on overcoming their difficulties and healing. These centers are licensed and provide 24/7 supervision.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a person centered service that enlists a professional team to help adults with persistent and severe mental illness live in the community, rather than in institutions. The team includes psychiatrists, nurses and a case manager vocational specialists, and certified peer support specialists who provide a variety community-based services, including medication management, housing assistance and assistance.
Residential or inpatient treatment is rare. However, it could be a viable option in the event that your condition isn't stable enough to remain at home. You may also need more control and structure that outpatient treatments cannot provide. These programs are usually located on a campus which is more spacious than traditional mental hospitals. They provide a range of therapies and activities, including group and individual sessions, as well as recreational activities education, training, and other activities to help build your confidence.
Partial Hospitalization
Some adults may need more intensive treatment than conventional outpatient services can offer but they do not require the security and supervision of an inpatient hospital stay for psychiatric patients. Adults may be struggling with mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder or anorexia. Our Adult Partial Hospitalization Program can help stabilize symptoms and provide an easy transition to outpatient treatment. The program is staffed with an interprofessional team of registered nurses, psychotherapists, recreation therapy and facilitators of the program under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Patients aged 18 or older may be admitted directly to the program from outpatient treatment or after being discharged from a psychiatric inpatient admission.
The length of the program is contingent on your specific needs, but can run up to three months or more. During this period you will work with a psychiatrist to create a treatment plan specific to your specific needs. You will also participate in sessions of group therapy, recreational therapies and wellness activities. Medication management will be an integral part of your treatment and you will be able to meet with a nurse for reviews and education about your medications.
You will remain at home while undergoing treatment, but will spend some time or days per week in an institution for mental health. During your stay, you'll receive structured, comprehensive treatment in a safe and comfortable setting. You will be able to participate in a variety of treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as family therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. These methods are designed to help you overcome the challenges that hinder your chances of a successful recovery.
Depending on the insurance provider, partial-hospitalization programs may be cheaper than inpatient care. Private insurances will cover partial hospitalization plans provided that your doctor has issued a medical necessity note. Medicare covers these services too, but you must meet certain requirements to be eligible.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient mental health care is the most intense form of treatment. Inpatient care provides supervision and a structured setting to assist those suffering from severe issues like major depression or Bipolar disorder. The treatment program consists of daily visits with a therapist as well as a psychiatrist and social worker. The treatment programs can also include therapy for coexisting addiction disorders and mental illness. Inpatient therapy is available in a psychiatric institution or the psychiatric unit of the regular hospital.
Many adults are directed to inpatient mental health treatment after they experience an emergency or a breakdown. They could be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, and should be placed in a supervised setting until they feel safe. It is often due to an untreated depression episode that has gotten to be serious. Depression can develop on a person slowly and quietly and drain their energy until they are incapable of functioning. Sometimes a person will suffer from a mental health crisis that requires law enforcement or emergency services, and later they may be involuntarily committed to inpatient treatment.
Sometimes, a young person is admitted to residential therapy because they are in a crisis or have been struggling for a long period of time with their issues and have made no progress. These programs are designed to help young adults achieve a sustainable recovery. They help young adults get out of their homes and other negative environments, and provide them with a supportive and structured environment to address their issues.
The duration of these programs is usually longer than short-term inpatient psychiatric hospital stays, and can be for up to 30 days. The programs offer educational sessions and therapeutic activities about mental health disorders and substance abuse. They also provide support and provide life skills based on each individual's specific needs.
A lot of insurance companies cover the cost of inpatient mental health treatment. It is important to talk with your insurance provider about the coverage they offer, and the different types of treatment for mental health inpatients. There are many organizations that provide low-cost and free inpatient care for those who don't have insurance.
Outpatient Treatment
As the name suggests Outpatient treatment permits patients to stay at home and continue working throughout their recovery. It is a step-down from residential rehabilitation, and it can serve as a basis to continue treatment after residential mental health services. Outpatient rehab is less monitored than inpatient services and are best suited for people who are already in an environment that is supportive and has no negative influences, and are prepared to take on the responsibility for their recovery.
Outpatient programs allow for a more flexible schedule that makes it easier for participants to manage commitments to family, work, and school. The level of intensity differs between the standard outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programming and partial hospitalization program. The most demanding of these, partial hospitalization programming, typically requires five to six hours of therapy per day, 5 days a week. These programs help stabilize behavior during early recovery and are often the bridge to residential treatment.
The majority of residential and inpatient mental health programs offer some type of outpatient therapy, and some have an entire array of outpatient services to their clients. Most often, these programs offer support groups that enable participants to identify common triggers and learn strategies to cope that can help during a stressful or difficult period.
Many outpatient programs also have a family behavioral therapy component. Sessions for groups and individuals can be focused on a range of issues, including parenting, school or work problems, and relationships. This allows participants to bring these issues into the treatment setting and apply their learning to their daily lives.
mental health check to prepare for a residential or inpatient mental health program by contacting the facility and ensuring that all required paperwork is completed and that you have all your affairs settled prior to the date of your entry. If you are preparing for an inpatient program, it's a good idea to get in touch with family members so that they know what you can expect during your time at the center for recovery and will be able to help. It is typically possible to visit relatives who are receiving treatment in a residential or inpatient setting but it can vary based on the program.