Entering treatment for mental health issues may be daunting, especially when you don’t have any idea what to expect. However, when you are suffering with mental illness, it’s the best thing that you can do to improve your life and the lives of your loved ones. Untreated mental illness can lead to numerous negative consequences including legal issues, loss of employment, homelessness, and substance abuse. Many times, mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction go hand-in-hand because people suffering with psychological or psychiatric disorders will attempt to alleviate symptoms by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
The good news about mental illness is that it is often treatable, and many people live fulfilling lives when it is properly managed. That may mean ongoing therapy and psychiatric care, including taking medication.
Once you’ve decided to seek help for your mental health, you have to determine what type of treatment will work best for you and your individual situation. In some cases, treatment plans involve seeing a therapist and psychiatrist on a regular basis to come up with a treatment plan that allows you to work on issues while you continue with your daily responsibilities. However, for some people who have mental health problems, a more intensive approach is needed. That may mean an intensive outpatient treatment program or an inpatient program where you stay at the treatment center for a period of time.
Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Programs in Fresno
As with any type of treatment, there are advantages and disadvantages for both outpatient and inpatient programs. The following will help you consider which one is right for you.
Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
The advantages of outpatient treatment include:
- Therapy – You will receive therapy (most likely including both individual and group sessions), with a licensed therapist to work on the underlying causes of your mental health issues.
- Live at home – With outpatient treatment, you don’t have to completely move away from home for the program. Rather, you attend treatment several days a week for several hours. You can continue to take care of your responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Education – You will learn about mental health, including coping skills, substance abuse (if it’s applicable), and relapse prevention.
- Lower cost – Outpatient mental health treatment is less expensive than inpatient treatment and health insurance usually covers a portion of the cost.
The cons of outpatient treatment include:
- Triggers – When you attend outpatient treatment, you are still in your regular environment at home for a lot of the time. If you have specific triggers that activate or worsen your mental health issues, you will still be exposed to them.
- Distractions – You may be distracted by things that come up in your daily life, which can make your recovery efforts more difficult.
- Not drug- or alcohol-free – If substance abuse is an issue, outpatient treatment may be challenging because you will not be a substance-free environment when you go home.
Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
The pros of inpatient treatment include:
- 24/7 support – While you’re in inpatient treatment, you will always have access to medical professionals to talk to for support, you won’t be alone.
- Community – You will be living and interacting with others who know what you’re going through. This provides a strong sense of community.
- Therapy – You will participate in group and individual therapy.
- Psychiatric care – While attending inpatient treatment, you will receive psychiatric care and medication if needed.
- No distractions – Living at an inpatient treatment center means that you can focus completely on your recovery with no outside distractions.
The cons of residential treatment include:
- Closed campus – While in treatment, you cannot come and go, you have to stay within the treatment center at all times, which means you can’t continue to work or go to school.
- Scheduled days – Your days in treatment will be scheduled full of activities, meetings, and therapy sessions. There isn’t a lot of downtime.
- Cost – The cost of inpatient mental health treatment can be expensive, though your healthcare insurance will help.
What You Need to Know Before You Choose Mental Health Treatment Center in Fresno
If you’re considering attending a mental health treatment program, you probably have some questions about it. Here are some of the questions you should ask when you’re making the decision of which treatment program to attend.
How Long is the Mental Health Treatment Program?
The length of a mental health treatment program often depends on your individual issues and the treatment you need. Many programs begin at about 30 days, but it could be longer or shorter.
Are There Specialized Programs for Teen Mental Health?
Yes, you can find mental health programs that are for teenagers and other groups of people. For example, you may be able to find mental health treatment programs for women, men, older adults, etc. if you feel more comfortable in those groups. m
Does Mental Health Treatment Provide Substance Abuse Help?
Many people with mental health issues also have substance abuse disorders because they try to self-medicate their symptoms. If you are suffering with both, it’s important to find a mental health treatment program that addresses co-occurring disorders.
Does the Treatment Program Include Learning Coping and Life Skills?
Even after completing mental health treatment, you will still have to manage any conditions you have. When you return home, it’s important that you know how to do that. Look for a treatment center and program that will teach you the coping and life skills you need to do that. Whether you go to treatment for mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, or both, you will need to have coping skills to deal with triggers and other ongoing issues.
What is the Mental Health Treatment Program’s Recovery Model?
Treatment programs often believe in specific types or models of therapy and approaches to recovery. Don’t be afraid to ask what type of therapy is used and find a facility that fits your beliefs and that you feel will benefit you the most.
Does the Mental Health Program Make Promises That Seem Too Good to Be True?
Most mental health disorders are not simply conditions that can be cured, never to affect you again. Rather, they are conditions that can be managed through medication and behavior, providing you with the ability to be happy and productive and to live a fulfilling life. If you see treatment centers that offer a “cure” for mental illness or addiction, be wary. Quick fixes don’t work for these types of disorders.
Choosing the Right Mental Health Treatment Center in Fresno
Choosing a mental health treatment center and program may seem overwhelming, but you are doing the right thing for yourself and your family in seeking help. At My Time Recovery, we are prepared to help adults and teens with their mental health and their substance abuse disorders. We can promise that we will work with you to find the best, most effective treatment for your individual needs and teach you the tools that you need to help maintain mental health and sobriety.
