Why Adult Mental Health Services Is Harder Than You Imagine

· 6 min read
Why Adult Mental Health Services Is Harder Than You Imagine

Different Levels of Adult Mental Health Services

Mental health services are available to help you manage your symptoms and recover from mental illness. They include medication therapy as well as support groups.

Assertive Community Treatment Teams are multidisciplinary teams consisting of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and certified peer supports. They assist those with chronic and severe mental illnesses live at home instead of in hospitals.

Treatment Options

Adults who suffer from mental health issues can receive treatment at many different levels. The correct level of treatment can be vital to a person's recovery.

A combination of treatments can be most efficient. Someone who is in a mental crisis may benefit from a residential treatment program, rather than weekly talk therapy. A person who is experiencing a mild slump might benefit from self-help or group support however, an issue that is more serious is likely to require one on an one session with a licensed therapist.

Crisis intervention services are usually the first step towards getting help for mental illness. They help de-escalate the situation and put individuals in touch with a professional therapist to receive advice and counseling. These services can be found at a hospital, in an emergency room, or even over the phone for people living far away from an MH treatment center.

additional reading  of treatment include partial hospitalization (also known as day treatment) and intensive treatment outpatient and regular individual therapy sessions. Residential treatment programs for psychiatric patients provide an in-house setting where patients can get away from their everyday lives and focus on overcoming their challenges and healing. These facilities are licensed and they offer 24/7 supervision.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an individual-centered service that enlists a professional team to assist adults suffering from chronic and severe mental illnesses reside in the community rather than in institutions. The team comprises a nurse, a psychiatrist and a case manager vocational specialist and certified peer support experts who provide a variety community-based services like housing assistance, medication management, and support.

Residential or long-term inpatient treatment isn't common however it is an ideal option for those who are not stable enough to remain at home and require more structure and supervision than outpatient therapies can offer. These programs are usually located on a campus that is larger than a traditional psychiatric facility. They provide a variety of therapies and activities. These include group and individual sessions, as well as recreational activities education, training, and other activities in order to increase your confidence.

Partial Hospitalization

Adults may require more intense treatment than can be provided by traditional outpatient services, however they do not require the security and protection that an inpatient stay can provide. They may be dealing with a range of mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, depression, anorexia, or bulimia. Our Adult Partial Hospitalization Program can help to manage symptoms and ensure a smooth transition to outpatient treatment. The program is run by a multidisciplinary team comprising registered nurses, psychotherapists, recreation therapists, and program facilitators under the direction of psychiatrist. Patients 18 years of age and over can be admitted directly to the program from outpatient treatment or after having been discharged from a psychiatric inpatient admission.

The length of the program varies depending on your individual needs, but can run up to three months or more. During this time, you will collaborate with a psychiatrist as well as a counselor to create an individual treatment plan. You will also participate in groups, recreational therapies and wellness activities. Medication management will be a key component of your treatment as well, and you will meet with a nurse for medication education and review.

You will continue to live at home during your treatment but you will spend a few hours to several days per week in a mental health facility. During your stay, you'll receive a structured, thorough treatment in a secure, cozy environment. You can expect to participate in a number of different therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. These techniques are designed to help you to overcome the obstacles in the way of a successful recover.

Depending on the insurance provider Part-hospitalization programs can be cheaper than inpatient care. The majority of private insurances will cover these procedures as long as you have a certificate of medical necessity from your physician. Medicare covers these treatments however, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient mental health services are the most intensive form of treatment. Inpatient services offer supervision and a structured setting to assist those suffering from serious issues such as major depression or Bipolar disorder. The treatment programs include regular visits with psychiatrists, therapists and a social worker. The treatment programs may also include therapy for coexisting mental illness and addiction to drugs. Inpatient therapy is available in a psychiatric institution or the psychiatric unit of the regular hospital.

Many adults are referred to inpatient mental health care after a breakdown or crisis. They could be at risk of harming themselves or others, and should be kept in a secure setting until they feel safe. Often, this is due to an untreated depressive episode that has become serious. Depression can be a silent and gradually, consuming a person's energy until they are unable to longer function. A person might experience a mental crisis which requires the intervention of emergency services or law enforcement and then be involuntarily admitted to an inpatient facility.


In other instances, a young adult will enter residential treatment after experiencing a crisis, or because they have been struggling with their symptoms for a long time and haven't made progress. These programs are designed to assist young adults to make a long-lasting recovery. These programs remove young adults away from their homes or other negative environments and provide a structured and supportive environment in which they can work on their issues.

The duration of these programs is usually longer than short term inpatient hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders, and can be for a period of 30 days or more. The programs provide therapeutic activities, and education on the mental health and substance use disorders. They also teach life skills and offer assistance, based on the specific requirements of each individual.

Many insurance companies will cover the costs of inpatient mental health treatment. It's important to speak with your insurance provider regarding the coverage you have and the various types of treatment for mental illness inpatients. There are a variety of organizations that provide low-cost and free inpatient care for those without insurance.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment as the name implies, allows people to continue working and remain at home during recovery. It's a great step-down option from residential rehabilitation and serves as a foundation for continued treatment after residential services for mental health. In general, outpatient rehab options offer less supervision than inpatient programs, and they are most suitable for those who are already in a safe home environment, with no negative influences and are able to take on the responsibility of their own recovery.

Outpatient programs provide an easier schedule which allows participants to manage commitments to family, work, and school. The intensity of the basic outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs and part-hospitalization programs varies. The most rigorous of these, partial hospitalization generally requires five to six hours of treatment per day, five days per week. These programs aid in stabilizing behavior in the early stages of recovery and are often used as a intermediary to residential treatment.

The majority of inpatient and residential mental health facilities offer some type of outpatient therapy, and some have an entire array of outpatient services to their clients. These programs often offer support groups where participants are able to identify triggers and learn how to manage their emotions that could be helpful in times of stress or crisis.

Many outpatient programs also have the family-based therapy component. Group and individual sessions can be focused on a variety of issues, including parenting, school or work problems, and relationships. Participants can bring their concerns into the treatment environment and apply what they've learned to their everyday lives.

It's important to prepare for a residential or inpatient mental health program by contacting the center and ensuring that the required paperwork is completed and that you have all your affairs settled prior to the day of your admission. If you're preparing for an inpatient program, it's also recommended to get in touch with family members to let them know what you can expect during your time at the recovery center and can be there to offer support. It is typically possible to visit relatives receiving inpatient or residential treatment however, it is dependent on the program.