Why Outpatient Mental Health Treatment is a Game Changer

More people are seeking mental health therapy than ever before in America. The old stigmas and misconceptions about therapy and counseling are crumbling. People are turning their lives around and finding peace and happiness in their lives. You can, too!

This article from Blue Star Mental Health explains how outpatient mental health treatment can transform your life.

What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Outpatient mental health treatment consists of group and individual therapy delivered in an outpatient setting, along with other support services, like medication management. This means that you do not sleep at a medical facility overnight the way you would in a residential inpatient program. 

Types of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient therapy can range from a couple of 1-hour sessions a month, all the way up to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) which is essentially full-time treatment. But, the most popular form of outpatient mental health therapy is the Intensive Outpatient Program or IOP. 

The basic types of outpatient mental health treatment in NJ:

1. Outpatient Treatment:  1-hour sessions, usually 1-4x per month. 
2. Intensive Outpatient: 3-hour sessions, usually three days per week.
3. Partial Hospitalization: Full-time (6-hour) day treatment, five days a week. 

Who is Mental IOP Mental Health Treatment For?

Mental health IOP care is for anyone who wants more help than 1-hour counseling sessions a few times a month can provide, but who does not need full-time treatment in a residential or inpatient psychiatric facility.

From depression and anxiety to trauma or grief and loss—IOP treatment is an outstanding option for people looking to get the upper hand on their mental health without putting their career, college or family life on hold.

Many people with depression, anxiety or other issues find that IOP offers the ideal balance for them. IOP mental health treatment gets you intensive therapy that can move the needle much quicker than those 1 hour sessions do

IOP mental health treatment can work well for depression, PTSD or anxiety disorders because it doesn’t require you to quit your job or school or take an extended leave of absence. You get powerful help, without having to upend your whole life. 

Mental Health IOP is often a great fit for people who:

• Don’t need to be in full-time treatment or have 24-hour medical care.
• Have tried regular therapy in 1 hour sessions, but still feel stuck.
• Have had depression, anxiety or other symptoms for more than a few weeks.

Why IOP Suits People with Depression or Anxiety

Many people who are suffering from depression, anxiety or other disorders are still “functioning”. They go to work or college, they take care of their families. While they may not be in an immediate crisis, that doesn’t mean they are OK. 

Some people try individual therapy, seeing a counselor once every two weeks or so. For many, this provides satisfactory relief. They can talk some things out, maybe set some life or self-care goals to work towards. 

But many people seeing a therapist a few times a month still struggle with anxiety, PTSD or another disorder. Others may see a therapist for many years and make some progress early on, but feel stuck now.

IOP treatment steps up the intensity, which is often exactly what’s needed to get off that plateau and have a breakthrough. You can usually continue work, school or family obligations while getting the help you need and making real progress. 

What Happens in Mental Health IOP Treatment?

Treatment in an intensive outpatient program for mental health includes a combination of group and individual counseling and other therapies. IOP treatment happens in 3-hour blocks, three times a week. Sessions are generally scheduled for morning, afternoon, or evening. 

During a typical day in IOP mental health treatment, you might attend group therapy, see a therapist one on one and see a clinician for medication management. Each person’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs. 

Our IOP at Blue Star Mental Health offers evidence-based care in a holistic framework.

What that means in plain language is:  

1. Evidence-Based Care: We use therapies that are proven effective by science. This included therapies like CBT and DBT.
2. Holistic Framework: We don’t just treat symptoms here, we treat people. Mind, body and spirit. This includes everything from healthy coping mechanisms to medication management.  

Basically, we offer well-rounded treatment that uses the approaches that are proven to work. But we never treat anyone like a number here. We’re not cold and overly clinical. This is truly mental health care with a heart.

What Makes Outpatient Treatment a ‘Game Changer’?

It’s simple. Outpatient mental health treatment can help reduce or eliminate your suffering and enjoy your life more. It can help you become a more present and loving partner. It can help you become a better parent. Good OP or IOP counseling can not only help relieve your symptoms—it can also help you become your best self. 

Whether you’ve been to therapy before or not, outpatient treatment, especially IOP, can act as a catalyst for the change you’ve been aching for. Why settle for being depressed, anxious or living a less-than satisfying life? Blue Star Mental Health can help you break out of that cycle. 

Talk About Better Mental Health with Blue Star

If you’re dealing with depression or other mental health challenges, or someone close to you is, outpatient treatment might be exactly what’s needed. Don’t let a treatable condition deny you a more peaceful and satisfying life. We know the way out, and we’re ready to help.

Whether you’re ready to take the next step or just want to talk it through, give us a call at (732) 327-1166. We can even walk you through a confidential pre-screening over the phone to help you figure out what makes sense for you