Types of Mental Health Rehab Settings and the Levels of Aftercare

Mental health treatment and care are offered in a variety number of settings. The setting, as well as the quality and level of treatment provided, will be based upon a combination of criteria, including the severity and nature of the individual’s mental illness, their physical wellbeing, and the sort of treatment recommended or advised. There are three basic treatment locations for accessing mental health care or services: 1) inpatient hospitals, 2) residential facilities, and 3) outpatient facilities. Additionally, certain aspects of mental health care are given through telecommunications technology and online.

Inpatient settings in hospitals typically require an overnight or prolonged stay in a psychiatric section of a general hospital and psychiatric hospital. The institution may be privately or publicly owned (operated by the government). Inpatient facilities treat more seriously ill people with mental health problems for a period of fewer than thirty days. An individual admitted to an inpatient environment may be experiencing the initial sudden-onset stage of a mental disorder and require 24-hour care. Usually, after thirty days of inpatient therapy, a patient who needs long-term care is transferred to another treatment center or a different environment within a mental hospital.

Psychiatric hospitals are exclusively dedicated to the treatment of mental problems, while clinicians are present to manage medical concerns. A few mental hospitals offer both outpatient and inpatient drug and alcohol therapy, as well as longer-term options. A psychiatric hospital may feature specialist units dedicated to eating problems, geriatric care, adolescent and child services, and substance abuse treatment.

Even though these facilities are uncommon, general surgical or medical hospitals may feature a mental inpatient unit and/or an illegal drug abuse unit. They offer medical assistance that a free-standing psychiatric institution would not be able to provide.

Residential mental health treatment setups typically give individuals longer-term treatment. While the majority of residential treatment venues include healthcare services, they are structured to be more relaxing and less institutional than inpatient hospitals. Examples:

Psychiatric residential treatment centers are designed for individuals who have a prolonged mental illness, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and those who have a dual diagnosis (i.e., a mental illness and substance misuse concerns), impairing their capacity to perform routine activities independently.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers are inpatient facilities that specialize in the treatment of addictions and may also offer detoxification treatments. Patients usually stay for thirty days in this type of facility, but stays may vary depending on the facility’s guidelines.

Psychiatric consultation is given on an as-needed basis in care homes.

Outpatient Settings – Even though outpatient settings vary considerably, they all necessitate office visits with no overnight stay. Some are located in community mental health centers; others are sited in general hospitals where patients can make an appointment at an outpatient clinic. Additionally, many people seeking counseling or treatment for mental health issues visit private offices to consult with a mental health practitioner individually or group private practice.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), also known as “day programs,” are outpatient programs that require patients to participate for 6 or more hours per day, each day or on the majority of days of the week. These programs, which are less intensive than inpatient hospitalization, may be geared toward individuals suffering from psychiatric conditions or drug abuse. Usually, they will provide group sessions, educational seminars, and individual counseling. A PHP may be integrated into a hospital’s facilities or stand-alone.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are related to PHPs, but they last 3 to 4 hours and frequently meet in the evening to adjust working individuals. The majority of IOPs are focused on drug addiction or mental health problems. IOPs may be integrated into a hospital’s facilities or may be independent.

Outpatient Clinics are setups in which patients can receive therapy from a variety of mental health specialists. Based on the specific clinic, group therapy, individual therapy, and medication reconciliation may be readily accessible.

Medication. Medications can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with mental illness. Medications are frequently prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy and are available in both inpatient and outpatient facilities for mental health.

Among the medications used to treat mental illness are the following:

Antidepressants: Antidepressants are used to manage depression symptoms, but may also be advised for anxiety or sleeplessness in some instances. Antidepressants are classified into two classes:  selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Anti-anxiety medications: Anti-anxiety prescription drugs may be beneficial for individuals who experience generalized anxiety, social phobia, or panic disorder. The most frequently prescribed short-acting anti-anxiety medicine is a benzodiazepine. However, these medications are intended for short-term use, and prolonged use can result in dependence and addiction. As a result, different non-addictive anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed instead of benzodiazepines.

Mood stabilizers are frequently prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder and associated mood disorders to help them maintain a stable mood and avoid major mood swings, manic episodes, and depressed moods.

Antipsychotics are normally commonly used to manage schizophrenia and other psychotic diseases, but may occasionally be recommended to people with bipolar disorder who show psychotic symptoms (usually at the time of a manic episode).

Programs and Support Groups based on the 12-Step philosophy. Along with medications and psychotherapy, individuals may wish to consider a variety of other types of mental health treatment. Peer support and 12-step programs may be beneficial adjunct therapies for individuals receiving psychiatric treatment and/or medicines.

These groups are open to individuals struggling with a number of psychological or behavioral health and substance misuse issues, including the following:

  • Alcoholism.
  • Addiction to drugs
  • Betting, shopping, video games, and other behavioral addictions.
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Disordered eating

Twelve-step programs are based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12 steps. Members work primarily with a supervisor to finish the 12 steps, and the supervisor is there to assist the individual with any other concerns that arise during rehabilitation, such as urges and cravings.

Numerous programs incorporate a theological component, but members are not required to be religious. Members select a “higher power” to assist them in navigating the healing process. This greater power may take the form of God, art, or ecology, as desired by the person.

While support groups and 12-step programs are beneficial and free, they do not offer medical supervision or specialist therapy.

Centers for Mental Health in the Community – Sometimes termed as Mental Health and Mental Retardation Centers (MHMR), these health centers serve individuals with incomes that fall below a state-defined threshold. These public mental health services are provided through the NorthSTAR program in seven North Texas counties (Rockwall, Ellis,  Kaufman, Navarro, Hunt, Collin, and Dallas). NorthSTAR facilities are obtained by registration.

Professionals in private practice – Many persons seek mental health counseling/treatment from a mental health specialist in-person or group private practice at the professional’s workplace. Family, group, or Individual therapy appointments are available. Most professionals comply with insurance policies, but they differ in their acceptance of specific insurance plans; some practitioners accept solely cash fees for the services.

Telepsychiatry and Telemental Health Services are terms that relate to the provision of psychiatric assessment and care, as well as psychological support and services, by internet or phone though videoconferencing, online chat, or email. Typically, these services increase healthcare coverage for people with mental health disorders who live in distant places or underserved areas, or who are unable to move from place to place due to sickness, emergency, or mobility concerns. Additionally, they enable doctors to provide support to their patients or clients between appointments.

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental illness. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of different types of mental health problems and is available in both outpatient and inpatient setups. Talk therapy is a process through which an individual or group explores their concerns with a mental health professional who can facilitate them in processing their emotions and developing healthy coping strategies.

There are numerous types of psychotherapy accessible, including the following:

Individual therapy is a type of talk therapy in which an individual meets with a psychotherapist one-on-one to handle unresolved emotions, tragedies, and mental health issues utilizing a plethora of different techniques and methods.

Group therapy is usually led by a mental health professional and includes a range of participants. Group therapy is typically focused on a single issue on which the entire group is working. A psychotherapist, for instance, might facilitate a therapy group on anger control, post-partum depressive symptoms, or suicidal behavior.

Family therapy is a type of therapy in which family members interact with a mental health professional to work through concerns. Family therapy is frequently administered by a professional therapist who is a professional marriage and family therapist (MFT).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most often used psychotherapy method. It can be applied to a family, a group, or an individual. CBT therapists assist clients in addressing problematic ideas and behaviors by substituting realistic self-talk and productive behaviors for the unhealthy ones.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is most frequently used to treat persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has been shown to be effective in treating other illnesses. DBT places a premium on embracing and validating problematic ideas, emotions, and behaviors while also teaching participants how to strike a balance between tolerance and transformation.

Interpersonal therapy assists individuals in resolving relationship conflicts and develops new communication and interpersonal skills in an effort to enhance the quality of relations. This type of treatment is frequently utilized in couples counseling and with those who are depressed and have trouble relating to others.

EMDR treatment (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing): EMDR is a type of therapy that is used to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR stimulates the brain with back-and-forth visual attention, which aids in the stimulation of past traumatic experiences in order for them to be settled.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies.  Additionally, to established types of treatment such as counseling and medicines, traditional and complementary mental health treatment alternatives may be used. Among the most often used complementary therapies are the following:

Yoga is a type of exercise that emphasizes the mind-body connection via a sequence of related movements and breathing techniques. Yoga aids in the development of physiological flexibility and strength, as well as provides numerous mental health advantages.

Meditation can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The various types of meditation include mindfulness-based meditation, relaxation techniques, and basic breathing exercises.

Nutrition. Diet has a variety of effects on mental health. By properly regulating one’s nutrition, an individual can assist improve their general mental health and wellness and relieve some of the symptoms associated with mental illness.

Exercise is also an integral part of mental health treatment. Individuals with mental health disorders should make an effort to engage in some type of exercise for at least thirty minutes every day to alleviate stress.

Equine therapy is a type of therapy that uses horses to alleviate symptoms associated with a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. autism, and stress.

The essential aftercare of mental rehabilitation

Attending a mental health rehabilitation program can be both challenging and profoundly rewarding. When a person’s mental illness is at its most severe, daily life can appear overwhelming. Because reality can be distorted, individuals in treatment or family members may have understandable concerns about what life will be like after rehab. However, with preparation and focus, you or your loved one can successfully navigate the transition and re-engage in life. Here are some pointers for maximizing your life following mental health rehab.

Life After Rehab Tip #1: How will I live?

What life will be like following mental health rehab is dependent on the living situation, which should be determined based on the factors that are most important to you personally. There are numerous housing options available, ranging from 24-hour care to fully independent living.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, choosing the appropriate type of housing based on your level of assistance with tasks such as cleaning, paying bills, and scheduling appointments can help you focus on what’s most important: your recovery. While agencies may use slightly different terms to describe various housing situations, some examples include the following:

Group housing (commonly referred to as group homes) – In fully supervised group housing, staff members are on-site at all times to assist residents. This may include assistance with medication, meals, and transportation, among other things. Generally, the homes provide residents with a mix of private and communal living space. Similar to partially supervised group housing, but with staff present only during specific hours. When staff members are not available, residents can request assistance.

Supportive housing — In supportive housing (sometimes referred to as supported housing), affordable, usually self-contained accommodation is linked with coordinated services. While specifics vary, it is common for residents to pay 30% or less of their income in rent and to have their leases in their own names. Residents are not required to accept assistance, but service providers may contact them to determine if they have any unmet needs. Potential service providers include mental health specialists and case managers.

Living with family members – determining whether a person with a significant history of mental illness should live with family members can be a difficult decision at times. Consider both patient-related factors, such as level of functionality and adherence to treatment, and family-related factors, such as whether interpersonal interactions are relaxed and whether other family members, particularly young children, maybe harmed. Family dynamics can be a significant part of life after mental health rehab, and research indicates that interventions involving family members are effective at promoting mental health wellness and lowering the relapse rate of illness.

Tip #2: Develop and adhere to a daily timetable and routine.

It is beneficial if the transition back to daily life is similar to what worked during mental health treatment. This generally entails developing a schedule and adhering to it to the greatest extent possible. In a group home, staff members generally assist residents in maintaining a routine that includes consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and medication administration times. If you or a loved one lives independently, you may wish to print a schedule or set alarms to serve as reminders. If necessary, someone can call daily at a predetermined time to remind you of critical activities.

At home, your schedule does not have to be identical to what you followed throughout treatment. You may wish to gently alter mealtimes and bedtime, for example, to better accommodate your own biological rhythms. It is crucial, however, to ensure appropriate rest and nutrition, and maintaining a consistent schedule that does not fluctuate significantly from day to day might be critical in accomplishing that aim. Maintaining the specified dosing schedule for drugs is critical, as complications might occur if your body’s levels fall too low or rise too high. It’s natural to forget or refuse to take your medicine when you’re feeling stable, but if you’ve been prescribed medication, it’s because your clinicians believe you require it to maintain your stability. While you may not require the same medications in the same doses in the future, adjusting dosages or discontinuing without consulting a physician has been shown to promote relapse in many people.

Tip #3: Build on your treatment experience.

You might have acquired or enhanced skills in areas such as stress management, communication, solving problems, and anger control. It is now time to put the lessons learned into action. All abilities take time to perfect, so be patient with yourself while continuing to focus on developing new routines that will improve your life.

Exercise, yoga, blogging, and controlled breathing are all examples of stress-relieving activities. After therapy, incorporating them into your daily schedule and routine is a great idea. Additionally, it is prudent to take proactive measures to engage in healthful activities that bring you serenity and joy, such as painting, playing music, or spending time with nature.

When selecting relaxation activities, keep in mind that what you feed your mind is just as critical as what you feed your body. Consider watching a sitcom or an amusing cat movie instead of a stressful television show or film. Additionally, you may wish to select music with encouraging lyrics. There is a place for more serious material, but especially while attempting to maintain stability following rehab, it is extremely prudent to flood your thoughts with positive messages.

Whether or not you have a psychiatric disorder, choosing to focus on gratefulness, whether through mindful awareness or writing out a list of things you are grateful for, can help you start building on the positive aspects of your life and view the world differently. Writing simply a few phrases per week, according to research, can make people feel more positive and content. Your list does not have to be revolutionary. You can just express gratitude for having clothing to wear and access to food, or for getting a text message from a buddy.

Tip #4: Your therapy sessions should continue to evolve.

Participate actively in therapy sessions and view them as opportunities for someone with training and experience to assist you in determining what works for you and what needs to be fixed or modified. According to a review published in the Journal of Public Health (JPH), the number of treatment sessions was associated with recovery success and was particularly important for people with co-occurring disorders. Although the nature of the therapist-client relationship had a greater impact on outcomes than the specific type of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy proved beneficial for a large number of people.

Tip #5: Identify your tribe of social support

Keep in touch with friends, family members, and those who are recovering. According to the JPH review, social support and function were significant predictors of positive treatment outcomes. Results improved when barriers to social engagement were addressed, such as transportation, flexible scheduling, and childcare. Even social engagement over the internet or phone can be extremely beneficial.

Tip #6: Rejoice in your victories!

You are incredible! Recovery progress can be unpredictable, so it’s critical to establish a system for tracking and celebrating your victories. Perhaps you can create a chart outlining your goals and objectives or a checklist of tasks you’d like to accomplish during the day or week. If you’re unable to cross everything off the list, celebrate the ones you did and use the unchecked tasks as a reminder of things you’d like to change in order to achieve your goals.

If you discover that you consistently leave certain tasks undone, you may be able to find a different way to accomplish your goal. If you want to exercise but are unable to walk as frequently as you would like, you could try swimming or tennis. Maybe you tried a bowling league for social interaction, but wonder if a book club might be a better fit. Keep your goals in mind and give yourself permission to experiment a little until you find the best way to meet them.

Tip #7: Accept feedback with compassion and understanding.

Believe in other people’s perspectives and be willing to make the changes they suggest. As critical as it is to track our own progress and overcome obstacles, it’s difficult for us to be objective about ourselves, even more so when our brains aren’t functioning efficiently.

Maintaining good relationships with your therapist, family, caseworker, and support group members is critical for a variety of reasons, one of which is that they can occasionally assist you in seeing things that you are unable to see on your own. If individuals close to you believe it is time to alter your rehabilitation strategy, it is prudent to heed their advice. They are on your side throughout and following mental health rehab.

If necessary, the plan may be revised to include an increase in the frequency of outpatient therapy sessions or a drug adjustment. Additionally, it may imply a return to more acute inpatient care. While it’s tempting to think of returning to a residential program as beginning over, the reality is that you and your practitioners are building on what you’ve already learned.

Individuals with physical health problems such as heart disease or diabetes must assess their progress and adjust their therapy as needed, which may need a return to a hospital or clinic setting. Mental health problems are no exception. Whatever your requirements, we are here to assist you.