The United States is currently facing a mental health crisis. It is estimated that more than one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, with at least one in twenty US adults experiencing a serious mental illness.
A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that youth are at risk, too. In 2023, the CDC found that 40% of students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide.
The importance of seeking treatment when living with a mental health condition can’t be overstated. Health professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists can provide treatment through therapy and medication.
There are also options for inpatient and outpatient care services. Whether you want to work in the field after completing online mental health counseling programs or you’re seeking support, understanding the different care options is vital.
This article covers the differences between inpatient and outpatient mental health care services. Both have their own set of benefits, so understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which is best for you or a loved one.
Understanding Inpatient Care
Inpatient care refers to when a patient stays at a facility to receive treatment for their mental health condition. It is considered the most intensive treatment option for mental health, and is referred to as the “highest level of care”.
There are generally two types of inpatient mental health treatment options. The first type is hospitalization, which can be voluntary or involuntary, and is when a person stays at a hospital or a specialized psychiatric hospital due to a mental health crisis.
The second type of inpatient care is residential treatment in a home-like setting. While hospitalization is generally a short-term process, residential treatment typically lasts 30 days or more and is considered a highly effective approach.
An example of residential treatment options includes rehabilitation centers for addiction treatment. It provides individuals with a safe, supportive environment to detox, receive monitored care, and professional help.
Also read: The Advantages of Choosing a Residential Treatment Facility
Inpatient care offers a range of benefits that differ from outpatient treatment options. Along with being considered the most effective treatment option for severe mental health conditions, advantages include:
- Provides a structured and supportive environment for the patient.
- Typically provides 24/7 access to medical care and support.
- There are no distractions and external factors influencing treatment.
- Peer support as the patient is surrounded by others experiencing similar challenges.
- High success rates for long-term recovery.
For people struggling with substance abuse, inpatient care through residential treatment also provides 24/7 monitoring and reduces their chances of the individual accessing the substance. This reduces the risk of relapse and improves patient outcomes.
Exploring Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment refers to any type of mental health service, such as counseling, that is offered when the individual is not admitted to a hospital, residential program, or any other inpatient setting.
While outpatient treatment can be offered at hospitals, it differs from receiving inpatient care as part of hospitalization. Outpatient treatment is typically for individuals seeking support but don’t require intensive care, such as 24/7 monitoring.
Outpatient treatment is useful for people who are struggling with mental health, but are not currently experiencing or at risk of experiencing a crisis requiring intensive care. Outpatient treatment can come in many forms, including:
- Counseling
- Therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Guided meditation
Unlike inpatient care, outpatient treatment doesn’t always require going to a clinical setting. With the rise of telehealth health services, it’s possible to attend outpatient therapy or counseling sessions online.
There are several benefits that outpatient treatments offer over inpatient care services. These include:
- More freedom and flexibility are given to the individual in how they receive and access treatment.
- Enables the individual to continue with their personal and professional life while receiving treatment.
- Outpatient treatment options, such as counseling and therapy, are generally more affordable than inpatient care.
- Can be accessed from the comfort of the person’s own home through virtual telehealth options, which can be less confronting.
Deciding Which one is right for You
There is no simple answer when it comes to choosing which one is right for you or a loved one. The answer will vary from person to person depending on personal, medical, and logistical factors.
For example, residential treatment may not be feasible for some individuals due to professional commitments. Similarly, an individual might find that outpatient treatment isn’t effective. The different factors you should consider include:
- Comfort level and preferences: It’s important to consider your own preferences and comfort levels. Some people may find the structure and routine that comes with inpatient treatment comforting, while others may find it overwhelming and confronting.
- Personal and professional commitments: When deciding between the two treatment types, it’s essential to consider whether the treatment works with your current schedule. For example, people with full-time jobs may not be able to take a month off for residential treatment.
- Finances and insurance: The cost is also a crucial factor to consider when choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment options. If finances are an important factor, the inpatient and outpatient services available to you may depend on your insurance and payment options.
- Accessibility of treatment: Similarly, you will want to consider the accessibility of the treatment program. What local services are around you? Is the treatment option feasible to get to?
These factors are crucial for determining whether inpatient or outpatient care programs are right for you. It’s also recommended to speak to a mental health professional for guidance when deciding, as they can provide personalized recommendations on what treatment would be most effective.
