Everywhere in the world, but particularly in the United States, mental health is a hotly debated subject. People have been talking about the value of mental health for a long time. But now that the epidemic is here, they are talking about it more than ever. People who previously may not have experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other disorders that have emerged in reaction to our new reality are now doing so. Mental health illnesses are becoming more frequently occurring in children than ever before. About 51.5 million Americans had mental health issues in 2019, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).
It is safe to conclude that over the previous few years, that number has grown significantly. People who live with the difficulties brought on by mental health illnesses may be looking for assistance in some way, shape, or form. As they try to find out where to begin, they might be asking themselves things like, “What sort of treatment do I need?” or “What is outpatient mental health care?”
What does “outpatient mental health treatment”
Outpatient treatment is one of the most often used types of mental health care. In other words, they simply refer to treatments that are provided in an outpatient context, such as at a facility or an office. This does not imply that all outpatient mental health treatment programmes are the same. Depending on the client’s needs, different outpatient mental health services are provided; however, regardless of the services received, all patients are allowed to return home after their treatment.
One of the most frequent distinctions between outpatient and inpatient mental health care is that the former requires the patient to remain at the facility or hospital throughout the course of their therapy.
What specifically does outpatient mental health treatment treat now that we know the definition of the term? A wide range of conditions are covered by outpatient services, including but not limited to the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Trauma-related disorders
- Substance use disorders
Although they are not exclusive, the following therapies are frequently used to treat these and other mental health issues in an outpatient setting:
- Individual therapy
- Group Counselling
- Family therapy
- Behavioural therapy (including cognitive and dialectical behavioural therapies)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Neurofeedback
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention
- Skills development
- Spravato Treatment
Who Is the Outpatient Mental Health Treatment For?
More frequently than inpatient treatment, outpatient mental health care is widely available (especially for mental health issues). While it is advantageous for many, it is not the best option for everybody. For people who: Outpatient mental health treatment is the best option for treatment.
- Have a mental health disorder that can be appropriately treated with outpatient therapeutic services and/or the prescription of appropriate medications
- Do not have a severe mental health disorder
- Are able to continue to carry on in their everyday lives without suffering significant disruptions due to their mental health disorder
- Has the ability to go back and forth from therapy sessions safely and effectively
- Have already completed higher levels of mental health care, such as inpatient mental health treatment, but are taking a step-down approach to the continuation of their care
Especially if they have little to no prior experience with counselling, those who need mental health treatment might not be entirely sure where to begin. A person’s primary care physician is one of the greatest places to start when seeking treatment for a mental health condition since they may be able to provide recommendations for more assistance. Additionally, searching online for nearby therapists that provide outpatient treatments can be beneficial. Calling one’s insurance provider and finding out which providers are in-network and taking new patients is an additional option for locating outpatient mental health care.
Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Benefits
For the millions of people who deal with diseases like depression and anxiety, outpatient mental health treatment has proven to be quite useful. Participating in outpatient mental health therapy has a number of advantages, including the following:
- Continuing to be able to uphold everyday responsibilities such as taking care of children, going to work, grocery shopping, etc. while also getting the appropriate mental health care
- Developing skills that aid in coping with difficult emotions and experiences, allowing for a more peaceful flow to the day
- Developing connections with other members of the recovery community
- Being able to better afford care, as outpatient mental health treatment is typically more affordable than inpatient
Outpatient mental health treatment is as helpful as the patient makes it, as the patient’s success is a direct result of the effort they put into the procedure.
What’s the Difference Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment?
The client’s overnight stay is, in essence, the key contrast between an inpatient and an outpatient mental health treatment programme. With an inpatient programme, patients receive treatment nonstop while staying at the facility each night and never leave. On the other hand, outpatient treatment aims to offer the same treatment options, but clients are free to return home in the evenings and put what they’re learning into practice in a real-world setting rather than staying overnight.
In the end, it’s critical to keep in mind that comparing inpatient vs. outpatient mental health treatment isn’t as straightforward. Which choice is preferable for a certain patient’s individualised treatment plan is the key consideration.
Why the Differences Shouldn’t Affect Treatment Options or Timelines
First, fixed treatment timetables should never be imposed, whether for an inpatient or outpatient mental health programme. Because everyone heals at their own timetable, choosing between inpatient and outpatient mental health care should not be based on the desire to hasten recovery. A person’s tailored treatment plan could also include a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatments.
Additionally, the choice between inpatient and outpatient therapy shouldn’t be dependent on the range of accessible therapeutic alternatives. Most inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes use the same treatment modalities; only, the degrees of care is different. Although inpatient therapy offers a more regimented, all-encompassing experience, in actuality, the therapeutic approach might not be all that different from an outpatient programme. As a result, whether a person is enrolled in an inpatient or outpatient programme won’t always determine their access to special treatment choices.
Finally, keep in mind that insurance companies, charge differentially for inpatient and outpatient mental health services. They play a significant role in the distinction between inpatient and outpatient therapy. This frequently provides insurance companies with the power to set the pace of recovery based on invoicing and coverage. When that occurs, people are given stricter recovery timeframes that might not be in line with what is best for their health.
Advantages of Outpatient Treatment
The fundamental benefit of outpatient therapy is continuity; you may go about your normal life while receiving treatment. It enables you to continue living in your comfortable surroundings while maintaining contact with loved ones who can offer support. If you are taking care of loved ones, you may do it without stopping. You have the freedom to select appointments with a variety of providers. That suit your requirements and fit into your schedule with outpatient therapy. In some clinics treatment resistant depression can be done using three seating using the nasal spray.
Outpatient therapy is less expensive than more expensive inpatient programs that might not be covered by insurance. Because outpatient settings don’t require room and board like inpatient ones, costs are typically lower. Following a diagnosis, some insurance policies pay for outpatient services; government-sponsored plans (like Medicare, Affordable Care Act plans, and Children’s Health Insurance Program plans) cover mental health services in a variety of settings.
An outpatient setting also:
- Offers more privacy. You continue to go to work or school like always, and others will not know you’re getting treated unless you choose to tell them.
- Helps you learn how to cope with stressors in your everyday environment.
- Offers the same or similar therapy options as inpatient settings, including group therapies, education, and medication management.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
From the continual, more organised care provided by inpatient institutions to the independence of outpatient therapy. Treatment environments can be thought of as existing along a continuum. At various points in your life, you could require both options—or a middle ground. The good news is that you can switch between options as your needs alter because there are many choices available.
Any treatment plan should begin with an evaluation that looks at the medical and mental health history of you and your family as well as other factors. Mental health professionals are qualified to evaluate each client’s particular circumstances. They will then offer the best course of action in order to enable a life that may be enjoyed to the fullest.
