One in five adults in the United States struggles with some form of mental health illness. However, despite the prevalence of these conditions, many people are unaware of the different treatment options available. A mental health treatment program is the best immediate option if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis. However, you must decide between inpatient and IOP for mental health care.
What are IOP and inpatient? How do you know which one is right for you? Learn about your options to choose the program that best fits your needs.
What Is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient programs are the more intensive option. Inpatient care is a full-time mental health treatment that requires you to live in the treatment center. These programs tend to last weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. You can work exclusively on understanding your mental health condition in this controlled environment. You’ll work with experts to determine the best solution to improve your overall quality of health.
What Is Outpatient?
Outpatient programs are the less intensive option that still provides a high level of care. Outpatient is a part-time mental health program requiring you to commit four to ten hours per week toward individual and group therapy.
These programs are typically held early in the morning or night to accommodate work or school commitments. In this way, outpatient programs tend to be less intrusive to life schedules. Most outpatient programs last between three to six months. It’s common for someone to start in an inpatient program before transitioning to an outpatient one.
How Is IOP Different From Outpatient?
IOP, or intensive outpatient programs, combines inpatient and outpatient programs. It takes the principles of outpatient programs and simply increases the amount of treatment time each week. IOP for mental health is a great middle-ground for people who don’t require the severity of an inpatient program but still need a high amount of care.
We also recommend our IOP program for people who are still in the process of transitioning from an inpatient program to independent living.
Which Option Is Best?
Ultimately, the right option for you or your loved one will depend on the severity of the conditions. If your mental health condition completely disrupts your life, you might be a good candidate for an inpatient program.
Symptoms leading you toward dangerous decisions or self-harm behavior indicate that inpatient care is a good fit. On the other hand, if you find that your mental health conditions require more support beyond weekly therapy, IOP for mental health is a good option. The additional treatment and resources you need are available without putting your life on hold.
If you still aren’t sure which option is right for you, discuss your condition with a professional. Be as honest about where you’re at with your mental health as possible. That way, they can give you an informed opinion on which program best fits your unique needs.
What to Expect From Inpatient and IOP for Mental Health
You can expect the treatment for inpatient and IOP to be quite similar for mental health conditions. Here at Comprehensive Wellness Centers in South Florida, we offer three types of empirical-based therapy treatments.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT: This type of therapy works to identify unhealthy thoughts that lead to unhealthy behavior. By identifying these thoughts when they happen, you can work to replace them with healthier, positive ones.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This branch of CBT targets personality disorders. Specifically, it targets the interpersonal conflicts that can often fuel these disorders.
- Group therapy: This therapy helps you connect with individuals in a similar situation. Being in a community of like-minded and understanding individuals can go a long way toward healing.
When you attend an inpatient program, you’ll remain in this support environment the entire time. Being in a comfortable facility, 24/7, allows you to focus entirely on your treatment.
How to Choose the Best IOP for Mental Health
There are some things you can look for to find a suitable facility and treatment for you. First, make sure that the services are accessible. When you’re experiencing a crisis, you don’t have time to wait for weeks or months on a waitlist. Next, the care should be personalized to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Evidence-based treatment is paramount for mental health services.
Alternative forms of treatment might be effective when combined with empirical treatment, but the basis of any treatment needs to be backed by science.
Need Help? Contact Comprehensive Wellness Centers
Inpatient and IOP for mental health treatments are both effective, and it comes down to what is best for you. At Comprehensive Wellness Centers in Florida, we provide programs that deliver results. We do this by studying the individual patient’s mental health, then creating a personalized plan for them. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health; our programs reflect this. If you’re ready to get the help you need, you can verify your insurance with us to get started today.
