Therapy is an important aspect of being mentally healthy. Whether you suffer from anxiety, depression, have a history of trauma, or are just going through a rough patch in life, attending therapy can provide you with the insight you need to get back on track.
When it comes to therapy, there are many different options for treatment. While some people choose to attend a residential or inpatient therapy program, most individuals opt for outpatient therapy services. This is because outpatient therapy allows you to receive the help you need while maintaining your daily responsibilities.
Outpatient therapy is any type of psychotherapy service that does not require you to be admitted into a hospital, residential program, or other forms of inpatient settings. It will provide you with the help you need to recover from mental health issues without requiring you to reside in an inpatient facility.
Outpatient counseling is offered in several various settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, private practices, and group practices. The professionals who provide therapy services include psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors, and certain medical professionals.
It is important to note that there are many different types of outpatient therapy. You could attend outpatient individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and couple’s counseling. Depending on your specific needs, you could attend therapy sessions monthly, every two weeks, once a week, or even twice a week.
Outpatient therapy providers offer an array of therapeutic styles. For example, some of the common therapies used include:
Outpatient counseling aims to provide you with an individualized approach to mental health treatment. When you find a therapist to work with, they will help you decide your therapy schedule, your mental health needs, and your goals for treatment. This is extremely beneficial as it allows you to customize your therapy and get the most out of your recovery experience.
The benefits of outpatient therapy include:
Additionally, attending therapy makes it easier for you to stay anonymous and keep your recovery private. Rather than having to take leave from work to attend an inpatient program, you can schedule therapy sessions that work around your busy schedule. This prevents anyone from questioning why you have been missing so much work or not attending the social gatherings you used to frequent.
Outpatient is not better or worse than inpatient rehab. Outpatient therapy is used as a tool to prevent your mental health conditions or substance use disorders from becoming severe enough to warrant inpatient treatment.
Outpatient care is not effective for individuals who need round-the-clock care. In this case, the individual should attend an inpatient therapy program.
However, if you struggle from mild to moderate mental health concerns, outpatient is the most beneficial and effective option. According to research, outpatient treatment is effective in providing relief for diagnoses from depression and anxiety to borderline personality disorder.[1,2]
Outpatient therapy is intended for individuals who need help with their mental health, but do not require intensive or round-the-clock care. If you are wondering whether outpatient is right for you, consider the following:
If you answer yes to those three questions, outpatient is not recommended as a standalone treatment. First, you should attend inpatient therapy to receive the care you need.
However, if you find that you can live independently despite your mental health issues and the symptoms of your conditions do not require constant or ongoing support, outpatient therapy is right for you.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
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