Residential Mental Health Treatment or Outpatient Therapy

Moving toward Recovery: Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment at a Glance

When you’re struggling with a mental health issue, determining what will aid you in recovery is a critical decision. Modern mental health treatment generally focuses on two types of treatment: inpatient, which is the most intensive level of care, and outpatient, which can be worked into a busy lifestyle. Key differences between these two types of treatment include:

The Care Environment

Inpatient care offers the most intensive level of treatment and involves a structured, focused environment that is centred on developing specific skills needed to cope with your unique needs. Outpatient therapy,however, usually requires for the person to visit their therapist once or twice a week and can be worked into a busy work or family schedule.

Exposure to Stressors

The inpatient environment includes a 24-hour safe and secure centre completely removed from potential stressors. People living at home and accessing outpatient therapy are bound to come into contact with the people, places or situations that cause them stress in their daily life.

Types of Programmes Offered

Inpatient therapy includes diverse programming such as meditation, therapy, and wellness to treat all aspects of a mental health issue and promote healthy coping skills, while people in outpatient care generally benefit from talk-therapy. The option of adding in other recovery techniques is the prerogative and responsibility of the individual and must be sourced through different providers.

Medical Care

Outpatient therapy may be better suited toward those experiencing mild symptoms, as there is no specialised access to medical treatment, while people struggling with sustained impacts to their physical or mental health often benefit from the safety, security and 24-hour access to medical care at an inpatient centre.