Understanding the different terms used to describe the levels of care in mental health treatment can be a little confusing at times. Not sure how inpatient is different from residential or which level of care is right for you? You’re not alone. Taking time to understand what’s involved at each level of care can help you or a loved one find the help you need.
At Rogers Behavioral Health, we offer several levels of care in our mental health treatment programs, from virtual care to inpatient treatment. Reaching out for help is the first step toward a better future, and we’re honored to walk beside you on your journey. Call 833.308.5887 to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help you gain comfort and confidence in your mental health journey.
When Do You Need Mental Health Care?
Your mental health is a deeply personal, unique experience. Sometimes, distressing events or traumatic experiences can cause severe distress, leading to difficulties in daily functioning. Other times, mental health concerns may arise due to underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety.
No matter the cause, it’s important to recognize when you may need additional support and care for your mental health. Some signs that it may be time to seek help include:
- Struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with stressors in life
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Experiencing intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Engaging in self-harming behaviors or thoughts of suicide
- Turning to drugs, alcohol, or disordered eating to feel relief
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to reach out for help. Even if you don’t know exactly what you need, starting the conversation with a professional can help you navigate your options and find the right level of care for you.
Levels of Care in Mental Health Treatment
Regardless of the specific mental health treatment you or a loved one need, Rogers offers multiple levels of care to meet you where you are. These levels correspond with different intensities and settings. When you reach out for help, an admissions specialist will help you determine the right level of care based on history, current situation, and goals for the future.
Inpatient
Inpatient is the highest level of care we offer at Rogers. It provides mental and physical stabilization during an acute episode. Inpatient care is for people who are in emergency situations and intend to harm themselves, need to regain nutrients or achieve a healthy intake of food, or need to withdraw from drugs or alcohol. Our multidisciplinary team creates a care plan for each patient to help stabilize symptoms and get through the crisis while planning for continued treatment.
A typical length of stay in inpatient varies, but the average is three to seven days, with a longer stay often required for those with an eating disorder, depending on severity. Once stable, our care team works to transition patients to the appropriate level of care for the next step in their treatment.
Residential
In residential care at Rogers, patients live on campus in our home-like environment while receiving intensive treatment for an average of 30 to 90 days. Patients in residential care are medically stable and focus on building the skills needed for long-term wellness and recovery. Residential care at Rogers can be found in Brown Deer, Oconomowoc, and West Allis.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Patients in our partial hospitalization care come in for treatment five days a week, typically for six hours each day. This level of care is sometimes referred to as “day treatment.” Patients will often transition from inpatient or residential to partial hospitalization, which is shown to have the best short-term and long-term clinical outcomes with reduced readmission at a future date. PHP is currently also offered virtually to qualifying patients in select states.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
Rogers’ intensive outpatient care is our lowest level of care, where patients come in for treatment five days a week for three hours each day. Patients at this level of care still experience group and individual therapy, meet with psychiatrists, and participate in experiential therapy and other treatment modalities. Virtual treatment is also available for IOP in certain states
Outpatient Services
Traditional outpatient care is where someone meets with a therapist or psychiatrist once or twice a week. As symptoms improve, patients will reduce the frequency of appointments until it’s safe to discontinue or only come in occasionally. Outpatient services, like Rogers’ outpatient psychiatric care and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are also helpful. Outpatient psychiatric care focuses on ensuring your medication care plan is effective. TMS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure for adults used to treat major depressive disorder and OCD when other more traditional methods of treatment have not been successful or have not provided adequate symptom relief.
Patients who leave our care return to their traditional outpatient providers, or we can make a referral when needed. Likewise, if a traditional outpatient provider is treating you or a loved one requiring a higher level of care, they can refer to Rogers.
Contact Rogers for Help When You Need It
There is a better future waiting for you or your loved one, and Rogers can help you get there. We offer proven treatment methods for mental health conditions, including targeted programs for eating disorders and substance use. Children, adolescents, and adults can find help at our locations across the country.
Don’t put your mental health to the side; make it a priority so you can enjoy a healthier, happier future. If you are still unsure what type of treatment may be right for you, call 833.308.5887 or request a free, confidential screening online.
