Mental Health Treatment Levels of Care

Mental health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It encompasses a wide range of therapies, medications, and holistic methods designed to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. Furthermore, there are different levels of care mental health centers use to address varying degrees of mental health needs, such as inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs(IOPs), and standard outpatient services. For those in remote locations, lacking transportation, managing hectic schedules, or dealing with severe social anxiety or agoraphobia, virtual therapy options offer a valuable alternative for accessing support.

Levels of Care Mental Health

What Does Level of Care Mean in Mental Health?

Many people associate mental health treatment primarily with weekly therapy sessions or the more intensive environment of inpatient care. However, there exists a spectrum of care options that fall between these two extremes. The levels of care mental health centers provide refer to the rate of psychiatric services that vary in intensity, duration, and frequency. Every person experiences mental health issues differently, which can range from mild to severe. It is crucial for patients to be matched with the appropriate level of care to effectively address their mental health needs.

In some cases, individuals may require more support than what weekly therapy can provide, yet do not necessitate constant supervision. For these situations, outpatient mental health programs in Orange County can be the ideal solution. Outpatient programs also have various levels of care within them to help patients receive the right amount and frequency of treatment to overcome their mental health symptoms.

What Are the Four Types of Mental Health Services?

Treatment and recovery for mental health disorders are offered in a variety of therapeutic settings, which are available through various levels of care. This allows clinicians to create personalized treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms, their basic health, and if they have a safe home environment. The four main types of mental health services include:

  1. Inpatient treatment: This represents the most comprehensive form of mental health care, offering structured, round-the-clock support for individuals facing severe mental health challenges. Patients reside in the facility 24/7, receiving support and supervision from doctors, nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, and mother medical professionals. Within inpatient treatment, there are various levels of care. For example, psychiatric hospitals are a type of inpatient facility for severe mental health issues requiring immediate intervention, whereas inpatient treatment can refer to a less acute level of care in a hospital setting as well.
  2. Partial hospitalization program (PHP): These programs deliver a similar level of intensity and structure as inpatient treatment but allow patients to return home each evening. Typically, PHPs operate five to seven days a week, offering around six hours of treatment each day. This option is well-suited for individuals dealing with moderate to severe mental health issues who do not require constant supervision and have a safe, supportive home environment.
  3. Intensive outpatient program (IOP). The next tier is IOP, which provides a more adaptable level of care. It usually runs three to five days a week and offers two to four hours of treatment each day. This option is beneficial for those with mild to moderate mental health disorders or as a transitional step from PHP, catering to individuals who need more support than standard weekly therapy sessions. Additionally, online IOP mental health options are available, making treatment accessible for those in rural areas or without reliable transportation.
  4. Outpatient mental health treatment. Outpatient care typically involves weekly or bi-weekly sessions where the patients go home after treatment, focusing on ongoing support and management of mental health conditions.
Levels of Care Mental Health

What Are the 4 D’s of Mental Health?

The four D’s serve as a framework for evaluating an individual’s mental health by examining their thoughts, emotions, and actions. This psychological tool helps determine whether certain behaviors are outside the norm, although it does not serve as a formal diagnostic criterion for mental illnesses. What is deemed “normal” behavior is influenced by societal standards and cultural contexts, which play a crucial role in identifying whether someone’s actions or potential psychological issues are considered abnormal. Therapists must apply their judgment, considering the individual’s unique circumstances when utilizing the four D’s to assess behavior.

The four D’s of mental health are:

  • Deviance: This concept highlights how certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be seen as abnormal when they diverge from societal norms. For example, someone might experience emotions that are more intense and enduring than typical reactions to rejection or disappointment.
  • Distress: This aspect focuses on the negative emotional experiences of those with psychological disorders. If a person’s thoughts and behaviors lead to significant distress, they may indicate a psychological issue. For instance, individuals might find social situations so distressing that they completely avoid them.
  • Dysfunction: This refers to maladaptive behaviors that significantly hinder a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Such dysfunction can impact relationships, ability to think clearly, communication skills, job performance, and coping with stress. For example, someone suffering from severe depression may struggle to get out of bed or manage everyday tasks.
  • Danger: This involves behaviors that pose a risk to oneself or others. For instance, a person dealing with depression might have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

What Is Level 4 Mental Illness?

Mental health disorders range in severity and typically progress over time without treatment. There are typically four stages of mental illness that describe the progression of mental health disorders.  Level 4 mental illness is the final and most severe stage of mental illness, where symptoms are persistent and life-threatening. Untreated mental health disorders can lead to other health conditions or a mental health crisis, a situation where someone’s feelings, behaviors, or actions put them at risk of harming themselves or others. A crisis can also manifest as an inability to function normally or care for oneself.

Some signs of a mental health crisis include:

  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Experiencing psychosis, such as hallucination or paranoia
  • Significant changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Inability to care for oneself, such as neglecting hygiene or inability to feed oneself
  • Delusions

 

Stage 4 of a mental illness usually requires inpatient treatment or hospitalization to ensure the person’s safety and those around them. Observing the potential severity of mental illness underscores the importance of seeking treatment in the earlier stages. Outpatient programs can empower individuals to regain control over their mental health and potentially avoid the need for hospitalization.

Levels of Care for Mental Health Available at Moment of Clarity

Seeking out mental health treatment is crucial to avoid worsening symptoms and to lead a joyful, fulfilling life. No matter how mild or severe someone’s mental health issues are, there is a treatment program that can help them overcome their mental health issues effectively. At Moment of Clarity, we offer all outpatient levels of care mental health patients can access. Our approach begins with a detailed mental health assessment, allowing us to create a customized treatment plan. Our committed team of professionals collaborates closely with you to determine the most suitable level of care for your specific situation. Patients can look forward to a range of evidence-based therapies, medication management, and access to support groups across all our care levels.

If you are ready to take the next step towards bettering your mental health and would like to learn more about what your treatment program may entail, call Moment of Clarity today at 949-625-0564

 

What Does Level of Care Mean in Mental Health

Our standard outpatient treatment is meant for patients that need help on a weekly basis.

Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) is meant for patients needing therapy more than once per week.

Partial hospitalization treatment (PHP) is meant for patients needing mental health treatment once per day.

Individual psychotherapy is a form of therapy where the client is treated on a one-on-one basis.

Community in group therapy can play a huge role in the recovery of an individual facing mental health issues. 

Our evidence-based trauma-informed care aims at finding the root cause of the source.

Learn how to cope with mental illness by getting used to experiencing life in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy which aims to identify and change negative thinking patterns.

We offer EMDR therapy for patients struggling with childhood trauma or other aspects of trauma in their pasts.

We Accept Most PPO Insurance Policies

All calls and submitted forms are 100% confidential. Insurance could completely cover the cost of treatment
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