Inpatient vs. Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Deciding to fight for one’s mental health is significant. However, before starting the treatment, there are many things you should consider. An important consideration is becoming an inpatient or an outpatient at the treatment facility. Both treatment methods have their unique advantages and side effects. You can make the right choice only after understanding both treatment methods and how they would help treat your specific mental problem.

Here, we lay down the significant differences between inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.

Outpatient treatment for mental issues

When patients receive treatment for their mental health problems without staying the night or for days at the facility, it is known as outpatient care. During their visits, the patient is given various treatments, including individual and group counseling, CBT, DBT, medication, and other therapies. These sessions can last from 1 hour to 6 hours, depending upon the severity of the condition. Then, the patient can go back home. 

Benefits of outpatient treatments

  • Outpatient treatment offers the flexibility to manage your work and personal life in the time left after your sessions. 

  • Outpatient treatments are much cheaper than inpatient treatments; hence, it would be a better option if you have minimal insurance or no insurance. 

  • The treatment options and therapies available for an outpatient are more varied than the inpatient. 

  • They also effectively treat co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Disadvantages of outpatient treatments

  • They are not a good option if you have difficulty attending and participating independently. 

  • They are also not suitable for patients with severe withdrawals or drug cravings who require constant medical care.

In-patient treatment for mental issues

When you receive treatment for your mental health issues while staying at the facility, it is known as an in-patient treatment. Here, you have a structured schedule that takes care of everything, including your diet therapy sessions, sleep, and exercise. It ensures that you receive adequate medical care at all times. 

Benefits of inpatient treatments

  • Inpatient treatment helps you improve your overall physical and mental health by providing a safe and healthy environment along with medical treatment. 

  • The programs are structured and designed to ensure no lapses during recovery. You have comprehensive support and get emotional support from people going through similar problems.

Side effects of inpatient treatments

  • During in-patient care, you have to entirely disconnect from your life, including family, friends, and work. 

  • It is costly compared to outpatient treatments, so not everyone can afford it. 

  • The structure is rigid, and not everyone can adjust to it, so you can face difficulty adjusting at the facility. 

About us

Look no further than Inner Space if you are looking for an effective solution for mental health problems for you or your loved ones. We are an intensive outpatient program based in Houston, Texas, offering in-person and virtual programs to heal patients suffering from past trauma while rebalancing their nervous system. Our team of exceptional psychiatrists and therapists specialize in treating anxiety disorders, ADHD, other learning disorders, and several other addictions while providing you with personalized mental healthcare treatment. 

To know more, call us at (877) 466-3701 or write to us at info@innerspacehouston.com. You can also fill out the contact form to book an assessment.

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