It can be challenging to carry out everyday tasks when dealing with a mental health diagnosis. It’s important to know that you don’t need an official diagnosis to feel depressed or experience anxiety. A situation or combination of issues can stir these feelings, leading to the need for outside intervention. For many, this comes in the form of an intensive outpatient center. These centers are designed to help people who experience various mental health issues, whether they are diagnosed or not.
If you feel you may fall into this category, read about the six ways an intensive outpatient center in Scottsdale can help with mental health.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Center for Mental Health?
An intensive outpatient center offers therapy to people who don’t need the strict regimen of an inpatient program. They can go home between sessions while still receiving the care they need.
An intensive outpatient center can help those with mental health disorders, depression or anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. The length of outpatient treatment will depend on each patient’s specific needs. Some people go for three months, while others need treatment for a year.
Components of an Intensive Outpatient Center
At an intensive outpatient center, patients will take part in different types of therapy sessions.
Group Therapy
This is one of the most critical aspects of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). A therapist will lead this group and allow patients to interact with others dealing with the same things. This creates a healthy environment for people to get the help they need while learning from others with similar experiences.
One-on-One Counseling
Besides group therapy, IOPs also include one-on-one counseling. This is when a patient meets exclusively with a therapist to discuss their issues. The goal is to help each patient better cope with their problems.
Medication Management
Some people require medication to help treat their mental health issues. If medication is prescribed, patients will be monitored to see how well the medicine works and if changes need to be made. Based on their personal treatment plans, some people only take medication briefly.
6 Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Center in Scottsdale
An intensive outpatient center in Scottsdale can help patients with their mental health in several ways. Here are six benefits to consider:
1. Provide a Safe Space to Talk
There are many stigmas surrounding mental health. One 2018 study found that mental health conditions were more likely to be stigmatized than physical health conditions. [1] People dealing with mental health issues know this all too well, which is why attending an intensive outpatient center can help. It provides them with a safe space to talk about their feelings and what they are going through without being judged. They also learn to put their feelings into words to get the help they need in a safe and supportive environment.
2. Allow Patients to Know They are Not Alone
Through the group therapy sessions offered at an intensive outpatient center, patients learn they are not alone in their struggles. They don’t have to feel isolated or like something is wrong with them for feeling the way they do. Knowing others are going through the same thing can be comforting.
3. Receive Constructive Feedback
A counselor or peer group can provide constructive feedback to help patients deal with their issues. This can make dealing with a specific problem less overwhelming.
4. Flexible Schedule
The convenience of an intensive outpatient center is one of the many reasons why this type of program attracts many people. Patients don’t have to stop working or leave their families to get the help they need. They can still maintain their responsibilities and live at home while getting the help they need for their mental health.
5. Lower Cost
Since patients can live at home rather than stay at an inpatient facility, an intensive outpatient center costs less. This is helpful for people who may be intimidated about receiving mental health care due to cost concerns. IOPs make treatment affordable for people from all walks of life.
6. Learn and Apply Coping Skills
One of the benefits of an intensive outpatient center in Scottsdale is that patients can apply the coping skills they’re learning in a timely fashion. Unlike an inpatient center, patients deal with the outside world’s struggles as soon as they leave the center. The coping skills they are learning in their sessions can be immediately applied to situations they face when they leave. This can allow them to see how they work in the outside world and discuss ways to tweak them during their next session.
Seeking an Intensive Outpatient Center in Scottsdale? Contact Healing Foundations Center
If you are seeking help from an intensive outpatient center in Scottsdale, Healing Foundations Center can help. We provide professional counseling and IOPs for people dealing with mental health issues. We help people with various mental health disorders and those dealing with trauma. Our team uses several techniques to provide our patients with the best outcomes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Sources:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-stigma-examples#intersectionality