It is critical that caretakers and family members become informed of the many different treatment options available for their loved ones. With many services available to the public, the truth is that you ultimately get what you pay for.  Families with loved ones suffering from mental illness want the best possible treatment at a reasonable price.  This is why all treatment options must be reviewed and assessed before ultimately choosing your provider.

When it comes to mental health treatment, there are a variety of different levels of care that a patient may seek. An option such as outpatient is the most common, and partial hospitalization (or day treatment) is also a common treatment option for those who don’t require 24/7 monitoring. Conversely, those with severe mental health issues are usually placed into either inpatient or residential treatment programs in order to ensure that they receive the care that is necessary for their condition. However, contrary to what you might believe, inpatient and residential types of treatment is not the same thing. Additionally, the costs and quality of treatment for different levels of care can very drastically.  What exactly warrants such diverse costs and quality of care?  As it turns out, there are actually some key differences between the inpatient and residential treatment. Here’s a closer look:

Inpatient Treatment: The Basics

Inpatient treatment is the most intensive level of treatment, offering 24-hour care in a secure unit of a treatment facility or hospital. This treatment option is best for those with severe mental health issues, who need constant monitoring for the sake of their own safety and well-being. The main goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize symptoms while developing a continuing treatment plan so that the patient can receive the care he or she needs in a less intensive setting. Inpatient treatment programs are generally short-term, usually ranging from a few days to a week.

Residential Treatment: The Basics

Residential treatment is a step down from inpatient treatment. While there is structure and some monitoring to treatment, the big difference between residential and inpatient treatment involves the setting in which it is carried out. While inpatient treatment is typically carried out in a treatment facility or hospital, residential treatment is usually carried out in more of a home-like environment.

The medical staff assists patients in residential settings, but not on the all-day, every-day magnitude of inpatient treatment. Because of this, many patients that exit inpatient treatment will be placed into residential environments. One thing to note, however, is that residential treatment can be permanent if the individual doesn’t respond to administered treatment.

Key Differences

As you can see, the key differences in inpatient and residential treatment are the intensity of the treatment and environment where treatment is carried out in. Inpatient treatment consists of 24/7 monitoring, while residential treatment consists of monitoring, but not quite on a 24/7 intensity. In terms of environment, residential is a more comfortable, home-like setting, where inpatient consists of a secure part of a hospital.

Another key difference is length of treatment. Keep in mind that most people that seek treatment for mental health issues are treated on an outpatient basis, in which they attend regular meetings – usually 2-3 times per week – to receive the counseling and support to help them deal with their issues. While inpatient treatment is usually short-term, residential treatment has the potential to be ongoing – it all depends on how an individual responds to treatment.

Outpatient programs have a range of intensity that helps support client’s clinical needs on the road to recovery. Offering a more frequent, structured program focused on group interventions, they can work in conjunction with outpatient providers to wrap around the needs of the client and the family.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the most comprehensive outpatient program available. Our clinical team of board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, registered art therapists and licensed professional counselors partner with clients and families to set the clinical goals and a pathway to recovery. In PHP, clients attend programming five days a week, for five hours each day. Group sessions utilize evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, expressive arts therapy, and narrative drama to offer practical ways to handle life’s challenges. Groups range from psycho-educational, experiential to process and are focused on developing new skills, increasing insight and improving the quality of life. Partial hospitalization offers the most intensive treatment to help prevent hospitalization or the need for other services that may disrupt the client’s ability to remain close to family and other supports. For individuals participating in our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), we offer independent, gender-specific housing options located less than 10 minutes from our center in a resort-like community. All residents have a shared bedroom and bath while sharing beautiful common areas including a full kitchen, living room, dining area, and outdoor patio. The complex includes 24-hour access to the computers and printer. All rooms come equipped with high-speed internet, and all the cleaning and other supplies needed during your stay. There is no need for a car, Drew Edmund Psychiatric Center will provide transportation to/from the center. Within a block or two, there are several restaurants, shops, and a grocery store.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are a step down from partial hospitalization programs and offer a less restrictive environment.  Sometimes, intensive outpatient programs can be a direct step into care or serve as a support to traditional outpatient services. The clinical team includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, registered art therapists and licensed professional counselors with expertise in evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, expressive arts therapy and narrative drama therapy to assist the healing process. IOP meets a minimum of three days per week for three hours per day. IOP is offered in both the morning and afternoon allowing treatment flexibility around class schedules, work or other obligations.