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What to Expect from our Mental Health Treatment Programs

a person looks anxiously away while holding their mouth during therapy

Did you know that 1 in 5 US adults suffers from some form of mental illness?

It’s time to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. A large portion of the population struggles with mental health, and there is no reason to be ashamed of it anymore. Perhaps the most tragic result of this stigma is that people do not seek out mental health treatment programs when they can’t handle things on their own.

If you’re considering treatment programs for mental health, the first thing on your mind is what to expect. Rest assured, there won’t be padded rooms with straight jackets. Your participation in a mental health treatment program is voluntary and will give you everything you need to overcome your difficulties.

Keep reading as we discuss what you can expect from San Diego mental health treatment.

The First Step for Mental Health Treatment Programs: The Assessment

Mental health issues vary widely in type and degree. It’s impossible to know what treatment would work for you without an assessment. A mental health counselor with professional experience will need to diagnose your condition in order to build a custom plan for your recovery.

This will begin with building a background on who you are as a person. They may ask you if you have had childhood trauma, experienced bereavement, or other tragic life events that contribute to your mental state now. Rest assured that most things that you tell a therapist remain confidential, and won’t get out without your consent.

Be sure to answer truthfully and honestly. You may feel shame, and as a result, withhold important details necessary for your recovery. Remember, these are mental health professionals that won’t judge you or discriminate against you based on your experience.

Program Admission

With this information in hand, the counselor will assign you to some form of mental health treatment program. Let’s run down the most common programs and their respective treatment methods.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Also known as PHP, this is a hybrid program that allows you to still live at home. All you need to do is commute to the facility each day and undergo treatment.

Do keep in mind, though, that this is often a full-time commitment. You may not be able to continue with regular duties and responsibilities like work and school. Be sure to make your arrangements before you commit to a PHP program, as you may not have free time to handle them otherwise.

Here are some of the therapies you may encounter during your PHP program:

  • Psychotherapy
  • CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
  • Group therapy, such as with family members or loved ones
  • Therapy for specific conditions, such as social anxiety
  • Medical prescription

Inpatient Health Program

In some rare cases, you may require some more intensive care than others. A residential health program (also known as an inpatient health program) as the name implies, has you live at the facility full-time. This is the most intensive program that a mental health treatment facility offers.

Your time at the facility may last for a week, a month, or longer. It will all depend on how effective the treatment is. Your stay may be extended or shortened depending on your progress.

The intent is to remove you from your daily environment–and the stressors it induces–to put you in a safe place. This is ideal to get full healing and prepare you for integration into everyday life once more.

Here are a few things you can expect from this health program:

  • Therapy in both individual and group settings
  • Support group gatherings
  • Regular medical assistance and treatment
  • A comfortable setting like living at home as you might normally
  • Access to nearby amenities and facilities

Intensive Outpatient Program

Outpatient programs allow individuals to retain more autonomy and independence. You may be able to continue living your life, but require some help after you’ve dealt with your other responsibilities. Or, you may not be able to set aside responsibilities such as children and work.

An intensive outpatient program (known as IOP) gives you care with the time you can afford. In some cases, it can be a transitional phase before receiving more intimate, regular care. Think of this as part-time treatment.

Since your time is more limited, you may only experience some of the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Support groups and issue-specific therapy such as social skills therapy
  • Medication to treat your illness

Detox and Substance Abuse Programs

Addiction happens to the best of us, and those who are addicted often discover that they cannot control themselves anymore. Detox and addiction programs can help you to overcome these addictions and replace them with healthy habits. While substance abuse involves physical drugs, overcoming their addiction is very much a mental affair.

Every addiction provides unique difficulties. Whether you struggle with alcohol, methamphetamines, or prescription drug abuse, there is a program designed for you. Your treatment may involve the following:

  • Group therapy and support sessions
  • Counseling to prevent relapse
  • Medicine to prevent relapse (such as Methadone)

Find Mental Health Treatment Programs Today

Many Americans suffer from mental health issues, but in some cases, you may need a lot more than a visit to your therapist. Mental health treatment programs can scale up or down depending on the severity of your condition. These can be complete interventions or a part-time commitment that you take part in when you have free time.

Apex Recovery is San Diego’s number one mental health treatment facility. Check out our rehab programs and find the right one for you.

Call Our Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 at 877.881.2689