During times of crisis, such as the current pandemic we’re experiencing, it’s normal for stress levels to rise. Excess stress can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s crucial to find ways to cope and thrive. Exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques are often helpful with combatting stress, but for those with underlying mental health conditions, these strategies aren’t always enough. High levels of stress can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Fortunately, there is a range of mental health treatment services and care levels available for those who need a little bit of extra help during these trying times. For patients who do not require detoxification or round-the-clock supervision, outpatient mental health treatment is a wonderful option.
What is outpatient mental health treatment in San Diego?
Outpatient mental health treatment is not one specific type of treatment. Instead, it is a general term for treatment that takes place in an office, hospital, or clinical setting, but involves no overnight stay. Unlike residential or inpatient treatment, patients who receive treatment in an outpatient setting return home each night.
Like other treatment programs, outpatient mental health treatment can be tailored to each individual’s needs. The nature and severity of the person’s mental health condition will determine how much and what kind of care they need. Treatment may involve:
- Individual or group counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Psychiatric medication
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Chemical dependency treatment
- Bipolar disorder treatment
- Outpatient Anxiety treatment
- Depression treatment
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Stress management skills
- Family therapy
No two people are exactly the same, and no two outpatient treatment programs are exactly the same either. Where one person may be able to manage their symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle with an hour or two of mental health treatment per week, another may need more support and structure. Some outpatient programs provide as many as 6 or more hours of treatment per day. Treatment begins with a full evaluation of the patient’s current condition in order to determine the type and level of care that will best help optimize their mental health.
Benefits of outpatient mental health treatment
For patients with a strong support system at home and who are able to maintain high levels of independence, outpatient treatment for mental health has a number of benefits:
- Outpatient treatment enables patients to maintain a strong connection to their support network
- Outpatient treatment allows patients to continue to manage their day-to-day responsibilities
- Outpatient treatment provides patients with opportunities to integrate new coping skills into their everyday lives
- Outpatient treatment assists patients in the transition from inpatient treatment back into the real world
- Outpatient treatment is more affordable than inpatient treatment
Of course, the best treatment programs are those that work. And the best way to ensure that you’re getting the right treatment for you is to work with skilled and compassionate providers who are dedicated to helping their patients achieve optimal mental health.
Your mental health matters at At Pacific Health Systems in San Diego
At Pacific Health Systems, we know that every person who comes through our doors brings with them a unique set of symptoms and circumstances, and we’re committed to creating personalized treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s particular needs. For more information on our outpatient mental health treatment programs, please give us a call at 619-267-9257 today.