If you’re seeking treatment for mental health disorders or addiction, you may wish to consider inpatient psychiatric programs. Many types exist, and some may be better suited to you than others. It’s important to figure out which option will provide you with the best outcomes to help you deal with mental health problems or overcome an addiction.
With that in mind, we’re going to help you learn what to look out for when seeking inpatient psychiatric services. This blog post will detail some of the main options at your disposal, explaining what they are and how they differ.
What Is an Inpatient Program?
An inpatient program is a type of treatment for people with severe mental health disorders or substance abuse addictions. It is designed to remove the patient from their normal life for a set time. They’ll be under 24/7 supervision throughout the program getting as much support as possible.
The main benefits of inpatient services are:
- Intensive treatment focused on you and your specific issue
- 24/7 support whenever you need it
- Support from other people in the inpatient program
- Continuous assessments to track recovery
- Less access to things that may trigger bad episodes
- Reduces the risks of things getting out of control and leading to very negative circumstances
What Are the Main Things to Look For in Inpatient Programs?
Some inpatient programs are created differently than others. It’s crucial to identify a program that delivers the most in-depth service so you can find a treatment that works for you. Some of the main things to look for in a good inpatient program include:
- A wide range of services & assessments
- Experienced and friendly staff
- Education resources for patients
- Detoxification services
- Relaxation training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- A continuing care program
- A comfortable environment
Different Types of Inpatient Psychiatric Programs
In general, there are three main types of inpatient services we’re going to look at:
- Inpatient hospitalization
- Residential treatment facility
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
At Alvarado Parkway Institute, we offer inpatient hospitalization as a service for those in need of stabilization. This is suitable for anyone who needs to be medically monitored for detox, has suicidal thoughts, presents a danger to themselves or others, and generally has very severe mental health symptoms. If you have tried to undergo outpatient services and see no results, this is a good treatment path to consider.
With inpatient hospitalization, you are brought to our medical facility and placed in a comfortable setting where you can begin treatment. You’re able to bring a range of supplies with you, though we do have a list of prohibited items. The idea is to keep you in our hospital area while you undergo a series of treatments. This can involve detoxification, psychotherapy, CBT, stress management, relapse prevention, and more. You are given 24/7 assistance and help with everything to ensure you remain on the road to recovery.
Typically, once a patient starts showing positive signs after inpatient treatment, they can move on to our partial hospitalization program, a mixture between inpatient and outpatient care. You receive the same intensity of inpatient treatment but with more flexibility. In essence, you will come to the hospital during the day, receive all the treatment you need, and then return home to your friends/family. It’s seen as the perfect stepping stone between inpatient and outpatient services. Eventually, you can progress to just outpatient services with even more independence before gradually easing back to a “normal” daily routine.
The Difference Between Inpatient Hospitalization vs. Residential Treatment Facility
Residential treatment facilities are similar to inpatient hospitalization in that patients are kept in a facility for a period of time. They’re shut off from the outside world where they can focus on making a recovery.
There’s one big difference between hospitalization and residential treatment. Hospitalization is a short-term option with a focus on stabilization and averting a crisis. This means the treatment is more intense and acute, helping patients seek solutions right away. Your stay will usually be anywhere between a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Inpatient hospitalization will focus on getting you ready for other forms of treatment to continue your recovery.
By contrast, residential services frequently are a step down from hospitalization. While inpatient hospitalization is usually shorter and more focused on stabilizing a patient during a crisis, residential services transition already stabilized patients into a longer live-in scenario. It is then that their treatment strategies will typically hone in more on group therapy, exploring how to healthily manage their emotions, and learning how to effectively deal with life’s new challenges. Residential treatment often spans several months, with one month typically being the shortest.
Is PHP Necessary Once You’re Discharged From Inpatient Hospitalization?
PHP is not technically essential, but it can be extremely beneficial after being discharged from inpatient hospitalization programs. It acts as a nice bridge across to more outpatient-focused services. You still come in for treatment every day, but you get to go home in the evening and sleep in your own bed while enjoying dinner with your family.
Patients find overall recovery much easier when undergoing PHP rather than jumping straight into outpatient programs or being fully discharged. You’re introducing elements of your life back slowly after the intense inpatient program. It stops you from feeling overwhelmed and means you can recover at a steady pace that’s more manageable.
Learn More About Inpatient Psychiatric Programs
If you’re interested in learning more about inpatient psychiatric hospitalization or PHP, please contact us today. We’ll gladly answer any questions you have regarding these treatments while helping you discover which inpatient program is right for you at this moment in time.
