Levels of Care for Mental Health
Everyone’s journey to wellness is different and mental health disorder treatment can start at any level. The ideal level of care to start at for you or a loved one will depend on the seriousness of the symptoms. Think of it as moving up and down a staircase: some people need to go to the top of the staircase for residential (RTC) care, then eventually “step down” to partial hospitalization (PHP). Or a person starts at intensive outpatient (IOP) and may need more support, so they “step up” to PHP or RTC.
Residential Treatment
As it says, residential treatment, sometimes referred to as RTC, involves staying at one of our treatment centers while you receive treatment. It allows for continued close monitoring and safety during the first steps into getting help for a mental health disorder. Here’s what to expect:
- 24/7 supervision and support in a highly structured therapeutic setting that includes therapy sessions, family sessions, psychiatrist visits & more
- RTC lasts approximately 40 days or more, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
- Round-the-clock treatment is done in a homelike environment, making it more suitable to practice coping skills and is best for severe symptoms
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program, or PHP, offers intensive, highly structured care on an outpatient basis. During PHP mental health treatment, you spend the entire day at our treatment center and return home at night. This is what you can find at PHP:
- Programming is 6 hours per day, 5 days per week; for approximately 6 weeks, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
- PHP is a step-down treatment after RTC care or can be a step up from IOP treatment
- Typically, PHP has identical programming to RTC but with a more flexible schedule
- Patients have more opportunities to practice what they have learned in therapy in places outside of treatment
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) allows you to slowly reinsert yourself back into regular life while still receiving treatment. Here’s what this flexible mental health treatment looks like:
- Programs are available morning, afternoon or evening for 3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week; for 6-8 weeks, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
- IOP is a supportive environment where patients can connect with peers
- Treatment provides a schedule that’s convenient for people who work, go to school or have other daily obligations
Online IOP
Get the same benefits of IOP in person, but in the comfort of your home. Take a look at what online mental health treatment entails:
- Programming that is 3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week for approximately 6-8 weeks of treatment, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
- Supportive online environment where patients can talk with fellow patients
- Convenient treatment schedule (morning, afternoon or evening times)
Aftercare for Mental Health
Managing a mental health disorder is a lifelong journey. When you leave our care, we’re still with you. One of the ways we do this is with our groundbreaking Discovery365™ post-treatment platform. Our platform is an interactive check-in program during your first year after discharge. Using cutting-edge, proprietary AI technology, it helps you realize when you need support, access to resources, and can help you head off old coping mechanisms.
Treatment Can Start Now
Our safe and compassionate treatment program gives you the tools you need to manage a mental health disorder. Get in touch with us and start your journey to a fulfilling life.
Your Journey to Mental Wellness Starts Today
Take the first step toward lasting mental health management with Discovery. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and verify your insurance coverage.