Finding a Mental Health Outpatient Facility

Learn more about what a mental health outpatient facility offers and how to find the right one to meet your needs.

Table of Contents

What is a Mental Health Outpatient Facility?

People who need mental health care no longer have to stay in a hospital to receive effective treatment. A mental health outpatient facility provides treatment for various mental health conditions. This option works around your daily life to limit disruptions. Outpatient care doesn’t require disconnecting from the outside world to reduce the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms.

Mental Health Outpatient Facility

Questions About Treatment?

Let us guide you through your options and treatment opportunities. Contact Alternative Options today.

Who is a Mental Health Outpatient Facility Most Suited For?

A mental health outpatient facility helps people struggling with mental health conditions. This option doesn’t require staying overnight at an inpatient facility. Outpatient mental health facilities offer a wide variety of services. Services include therapy, group activities, and medication management.

What’s Included in Outpatient Care?

A mental health outpatient facility provides access to healthcare professionals. These include psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers. They work with patients’ families and caregivers to ensure that they meet the patient’s mental health needs. The facility may also provide extra support to help people adjust to normal life after hospitalization. This extra support also follows crisis management.1

A mental health outpatient facility can act as a standalone treatment option. It can also be used in conjunction with other mental health services like inpatient care. An individual may sometimes need more intensive, longer-term care. In these cases, they may need inpatient treatment or hospitalization.

How Accessible are Mental Health Outpatient Facilities?

In the past, treatment for mental health conditions was very hard to get outside of a stay in a psychiatric hospital. Even now, intensive mental health care can be hard to access. Studies show that over half of the 60 million Americans who struggle with mental health conditions never get treatment.

The biggest barrier to receiving treatment is the lack of insurance coverage for mental health services. Many people report that doctors near them are out of network for their insurance.2

Is Mental Health Care Access Improving?

Access to mental health services is becoming more and more widespread. There is much more emphasis on mental health now than at any point in history. The need for an outpatient mental health facility in both rural and urban areas is being recognized.
Mental health care is becoming more affordable and easier to find. A quick Google search for an mental health outpatient facility near you will render many available options in your area.

Types of Mental Health Outpatient Facilities

A mental health outpatient facility can take many forms. Some of the types of outpatient facilities are detailed below.

Private Mental Health Clinics

Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists operate private mental health clinics. These clinics are usually open during regular business hours. They offer a range of mental health services. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention.

Mental Healthcare Centers

Mental healthcare centers may provide mental health counseling and medication management. They may also offer group therapy for individuals with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Hospitals

Mental health hospitals provide both inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient mental health care involves staying at the hospital for more than 24 hours. It may also involve mental health care that requires long-term hospitalization. Outpatient care typically doesn’t require a stay at the mental health hospital.

Support Groups

Support groups provide emotional and mental health support to individuals. These groups often include mental health professionals and family members. They could also include peers affected by mental illness or mental health issues.3

Online Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources include mental health websites, online forums, and online support groups. These resources offer valuable mental health information. They also provide advice and mental health support to those affected by mental illness.

Services offered at a Mental Health Outpatient Facility

There are many services offered at outpatient facilities. Some examples include:

Individual Therapy Sessions

Individual therapy sessions are one of the most common types of mental health treatment. Clients work one-on-one with mental health professionals during individual therapy sessions. The goal is to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings to manage symptoms.

Depending on the severity of mental illness, individual therapy occurs on an ongoing basis or as part of an intensive program.

Crisis Counseling

Crisis counseling is available at many mental health outpatient facilities. This service provides immediate aid to those undergoing mental health crises. Examples of mental health crises are suicidal thoughts or severe depression. Counselors work to help individuals return to a more stable mental state.

Group Therapy Sessions

Group therapy sessions are another popular form of mental health treatment. Group therapy is effective for those who enjoy more social environments. It’s also great for people who struggle with discussing their problems one-on-one. Through group sessions, members share experiences with others. They gain insight into their condition through dialogue with others with similar struggles.4

Medication Management

Medication management is an important element of mental health care at many outpatient facilities. Those who have mental illness often require medication to lead healthy and productive lives. Mental health professionals can help individuals to find the right medication and understand how to use it.

Family Reunification Services

A mental health outpatient facility also offers family reunification services. These services are for people whose mental health conditions caused a breakdown in the family structure. Mental health professionals work with families to rebuild relationships between family members.

Recovery Support Programs

Many mental health outpatient facilities also provide recovery support programs. These programs focus on helping clients maintain mental wellness after completing treatment. Programs may include support groups or recreational activities. These are meant to promote mental resilience and build personal connections.

Mental Health Outpatient Facility

Outpatient Mental Health Care at Alternative Options

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. However, because mental health is less tangible, it often gets overlooked. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, Alternative Options is here to help. We have many treatment options available at our mental health outpatient facility. We have locations in both Orange County and Los Angeles.

What We Offer

Here at Alternative Options, we help teens and adults who are looking for support for their mental health conditions. We also offer support for those who struggle with substance abuse and eating disorders. Our team of compassionate professionals work to create a safe and secure environment for you to improve your mental wellness.

We offer a wide variety of outpatient therapy options and activities. Treatments include talk therapy, art therapy, medication management, support groups, and rehabilitation services. Our team works hard to create an individualized plan tailored to your needs.

Contact Alternative Options Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Alternative Options today to get the help you need. You can reach us by phone at (877) 538-4133. Begin your journey to wellness today.

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