Mental Health Treatment Settings
There are several different kinds of mental health treatment settings. Among them are residential treatment centers, which are unlocked facilities and provide 24 hours of supervision. Residential treatment centers help clients recover through structured daily activities that focus on therapeutic support and counseling. Residents are also paired with family members or supportive friends who learn how to support them. They may also participate in group activities that are designed to help them deal with their own distress.
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that has been used to treat many mental health conditions. This type of therapy is usually conducted with a therapist, who will help the patient process their feelings and learn new coping mechanisms. Alternatively, group therapy is facilitated by a therapist. These groups consist of varying numbers of participants and focus on specific topics. Despite the differences between groups, each kind of therapy may be effective for certain types of patients.
The types of residential treatment settings can vary in the services offered, psychiatric disorders addressed, and ambiances. Residential treatment programs can range from a hospital to a long-term residence. Some residential programs also offer different levels of independence and community integration. However, the quality of treatment in these settings will depend on their specific needs. For example, a residential treatment program might be better for a patient with a serious mental disorder or substance use disorder who is unable to function independently.
Residential treatment centers employ a team of professionals and can provide therapy, support services, and other mental health needs. Some centers use an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team-based care model. Among other things, these centers provide services in psychiatry, case management, and substance use. Mental health centers usually receive funding from Social Security disability benefits and Medicaid. Some centers have mobile crisis units that can assess the patient’s condition and de-escalate it as necessary.
Types of Mental Health Treatment Settings and Levels of Care
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are an outpatient facility with less intensive services than inpatient treatment. These programs often focus on substance abuse and mental health issues. PHPs can be part of a hospital or a freestanding treatment center. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are similar to PHPs but meet for three to four hours a day. They may also include medication.
The highest level of care for mental health is inpatient hospitalization. Inpatient hospitalization is reserved for people who suffer from severe symptoms and pose a serious risk of harming themselves or others. Inpatient hospitalization is not recommended for most patients unless other options have failed. Inpatient care generally lasts from three to 14 days to treat an acute crisis and is then stepped down to a lower level of care.
The most common type of child care is outpatient services, which are provided in community agencies, clinics, schools, and homes. Outpatient care is prescribed for children and adolescents with mental health problems and generally takes place in an office setting. The patient is monitored for any adverse reactions to the medications. The duration of the treatment depends on the specific case. Some children may need longer-term care in an inpatient setting.
