Are you feeling trapped between the weight of your mental health challenges and the prospect of 24/7 hospital care? If so, there’s a middle ground that might be perfect for you.
Outpatient treatment lets you work on building the skills you need to support your mental health in a way that fits your busy lifestyle. Think of it like having a skilled co-pilot on your mental health journey. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about this form of care so you can make a more informed decision about how to proceed.
Myth #1: Outpatient Treatment Will Disrupt My Entire Life
Some people worry that outpatient treatment will turn their lives upside down. In fact, one of the greatest benefits of outpatient care is its flexibility and integration with your daily life.
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) sessions are held at our Garner, North Carolina, facility Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These three-hour sessions allow you to work on developing skills to support your mental health while still allowing you the flexibility needed to manage your other commitments.
Myth #2: Outpatient Treatment Is Only for “Serious” Mental Health Issues
Many people believe that outpatient mental health treatment is reserved for those with severely disabling conditions. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Outpatient care is designed to support individuals across a wide spectrum of mental health needs. Think of it as a gym for your mind—a place where you can strengthen your mental health regardless of your starting point.
The outpatient treatment programs at Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health are appropriate for people struggling with a wide range of issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia or psychosis
- Trauma and PTSD
- Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
- Mental health concerns accompanied by a drug or alcohol use disorder (dual diagnosis)
Some of our patients choose the outpatient program as an alternative to traditional inpatient care, while others use it as a stepping stone to returning to independent living after completing an inpatient treatment program. Our team can help you decide which option is best suited for your unique needs.
Myth #3: Seeking Help Is a Sign of Weakness
This myth is perhaps the most damaging one of all. The truth is that recognizing when you need support and taking action to improve your mental health is one of the bravest things you can do.
Seeking help doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re incapable of handling your problems.
It means you’re self-aware enough to recognize when you need resources to help you move forward and take steps toward positive change. Remember, even the strongest trees need nutrients and care to thrive.
Myth #4: Outpatient Treatment Is Just Talking
While talking is indeed a crucial part of many therapeutic approaches, outpatient treatment encompasses much more than just conversation. Plans are personalized to fit each patient’s unique needs and incorporate a variety of evidence-based techniques to help rewire thought patterns, develop coping mechanisms, and even change the way your brain processes emotions.
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health, our outpatient programs include:
- Group therapy settings that allow you to learn coping skills while being supported by others who understand the challenges you’re facing
- Continued clinical oversight from a team of experienced, compassionate mental health professionals
- Further stabilization and support for the transition back into productive activities at home, at work, and in the community
Myth #5: Outpatient Treatment Is Too Expensive
Many of our patients express concerns about paying for their care, but it’s important to remember that mental health treatment is more affordable than you might think. Passed in 2008, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to provide mental health or substance use disorder treatment benefits equal to those offered for medical or surgical services. Under the law, insurers must treat mental health issues with the same care and consideration they give to physical health concerns.
As part of our commitment to improving access to care, we accept most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Payment plans and patient financing options are also available.
Contact Us Today to Start Your Healing Journey
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health, we understand that seeking mental health treatment can feel daunting. But we want you to know that getting help is also the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Don’t let another day pass by where you’re struggling in silence. Reach out to our team today for a free, confidential initial assessment and more information about the treatment programs offered at our Garner, North Carolina, facility.
