If you’re struggling with stress or not feeling like yourself? Whether it’s anxiety, depression, addiction, or the stressors of life, it can seem like there’s no way forward. But you don’t have to slow down your life on hold to get help.
That’s why doctors recommend an outpatient treatment. It is a flexible, evidence-based treatment for people needing structured care while still maintaining their normal routines and behaviors. Outpatient programs offer you professional care, counseling, group therapy, and skill development.
What Is Outpatient Therapy?
Outpatient therapy is a mental health or substance use treatment process in which a person interacts with a therapist, but does not enter a facility, such as a hospital or inpatient program. This means that the patient will attend scheduled therapy sessions and still live at home and fulfill responsibilities, such as work, school, or family.
Outpatient therapy is suitable for minor mental health problems who do not require 24-hour supervision. The structure of outpatient therapy fosters an environment for individuals to address their emotional, psychological, or behavioral problems in a professional environment.
Types of Outpatient Therapy
Some of the most common outpatient therapy types are as follows:
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy is a type of therapy in which a therapist engages in a one-on-one session with an individual. The overall focus is on personal issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. The therapist leads the patient through an understanding of their emotions, develops coping strategies, and sets goals for the patient to improve.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a type of therapy in which people with the same issues are gathered in a group and then facilitated in the group by a professional therapist. Group therapy feels more supportive and more like a shared experience, and provides feedback from peers, which is helpful for recovery and personal growth.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors that can create dysfunctional lifestyles. CBT has proven to be particularly useful in treating accepted conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and phobias.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) require several hours of treatment but still allow patients to return to their homes. These programs are often used for people recovering from substance abuse or high-level mental health problems.
Benefits of Outpatient Therapy
The following are the benefits of outpatient therapy:
- Flexible Time: Therapy appointments can be scheduled around your daily life, including work, school, family obligations, etc.
- Cost: Outpatient therapies can cost less than inpatient or residential treatment.
- Connection with Support: Families and friends continue to provide emotional support to the patient
- Real World Practice: Individuals can practice the skills they learn in therapy in real time and real situations.
- Daily Routine: Outpatient therapy allows patients to maintain their daily activities so as to minimize upheaval and stressful discontent.
- More Privacy: Since you are not admitted to a facility, your therapy is more discreet.
- Easy to Transition: Outpatient therapy is a step-down option for someone who has come out of a residential or inpatient program, providing ongoing treatment for distress.