Breaking Down Intensive Treatment Options
At Atlanta Wellness Collective, we meet you where you are and provide the best possible care to meet your needs. This looks different for everyone, as everyone is at a different place in their journey.
Sometimes, clients need more than what a counselor or outpatient practice can provide by meeting once or twice per week. In which case, we may encourage a more intensive treatment before continuing your journey with one of our counselors. Words like “intensive treatment,” “inpatient,” and “PHP” can be scary to hear, but our hope is to encourage you to see that healing and growth is possible. Every journey looks different.
So, what should you expect when referred to a treatment program for more intensive care? You may be thinking, “I didn’t know there were other options besides one-on-one counseling.”
What are other treatment options?
At most mental health facilities there are three different levels of treatment you can receive:
Inpatient Hospitalization: This is where you would be admitted into the hospital, which is treating the most critical of needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This is a day program that oftentimes is scheduled Monday through Friday for five to six hours a day. It provides intense outpatient therapy and treatment where you receive the benefits of hospital level care, but you can return home and have these comforts as well.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): This is also a day program, oftentimes scheduled three to five days a week for three to five hours per day. In this program you receive more intense outpatient therapy than you would in a once-a-week counseling session, but less than PHP.
What do the programs consist of?
Each of these programs are intended to help meet your specific mental health needs. These programs consist of the following:
Process Groups: In short, therapy in a group setting. Group gives you space to openly process, relate to others, and receive feedback on what you’re currently struggling with. The major benefit of group is realizing you are not alone in your hurt and healing.
Education Groups: These groups are typically led directly by a counselor or physician. They’re intended to educate, so you can better understand and cope with what you’re experiencing. Additionally, groups often include teaching on coping skills, medical and holistic treatment modalities, and mental health topics.
Recreation Therapy Groups: These groups tend to be more activity based in order to engage other areas of learning. There is a wide variety of what can be considered a recreation group. Some examples include yoga, mindfulness, expressive arts, games and activities, and more.
Family Therapy: Some programs include this as a part of your treatment plan. Family therapy involves a counseling session with your support system. This can include your immediate family, significant other, or anyone who would be considered a strong supportive individual in your life. The purpose is to educate your support system and provide a space for you to voice what you are experiencing alongside the support and structure of a counselor. Family therapy is intended to involve those who will continue to walk with you after completion of your outpatient program.
Meeting with a Psychiatrist: Typically, these programs also include being cared for by a practicing physician. Medication is often necessary for treatment. Research has shown that the highest outcome for treatment is when you pair medication with therapy.
Groups? What kind of people will be in my group with me?
Opening up and sharing with people you’ve never met before can feel intimidating. Intensive therapy programs have groups geared toward specific struggles you may be facing. Whether you are needing help with substance abuse or mental health struggles, programs have specific groups for each. Some programs also differentiate by age or gender. You will likely be in a group of people in a similar stage in life in order to better relate to one another. As a reminder, most everyone in the group is sharing similar struggles, experiences, and fears. You’re not alone.
VIEW: Groups at Atlanta Wellness Collective >
How long are the programs?
The honest answer… it depends. Most outpatient programs (PHP & IOP) can average anywhere from three to seven weeks. The length of treatment is determined through an ongoing discussion with your treatment team, as well as your insurance coverage as most programs may be covered by insurance. Your treatment team typically involves your physician, group counselor(s), family or friend support, and most importantly, you. Outpatient programs are most often voluntary, allowing you to take ownership over your treatment process and duration.
If you have any further questions or want more information about intensive treatment programs, contact our office and our providers are happy to meet with you.
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